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ERROR: type should be string, got "https://www.lavozdelsandinismo.com/nicaragua/2016-11-06/palabras-del-presidente-comandante-daniel-despues-ejercer-derecho-al-voto-06112016-texto-integro/ Words of the President-Commander-Daniel after Exercising his Right to Vote (06/11/2016 (Full text) * * * * How Happy that on this day we are ratifying l@s Nicaraguans our Commitment to Peace, the Peace that has cost our People so much to conquer!, said Daniel LA VOZ DEL SANDINISMO | 06/11/2016 10 minutes left by 6 p.m. ... 6 p.m., which by law, is the deadline to get to deposit our vote. Of course, the same Law establishes that if there is a line, the Board cannot be closed! We must continue to receive the Vote until the last Person, the last Youth, the last Woman, the last Ciudadan@, enters to deposit their Vote. It is at that moment that the Board is closed. And how joyful that on this day we are ratifying l@s Nicaraguans our Commitment to Peace, the Peace that has cost our People so much to conquer! Much Blood has flowed, much pain! By this time, back in 1928, our Homeland was intervened by Yankee troops. Here were the U.S. Troops, and our General Sandino fighting there, defending the Sovereignty of the Homeland... The Dignity of Our America, the Dignity of Our America, the Dignity of Our America, the Dignity of the Homeland, the Dignity of Our America, the Dignity of the Homeland, the Dignity of the Homeland, the Dignity of the Homeland, the Dignity of the HomelandDignity of the Peoples of the World, Sandino defended! And what a shame then! Elections were organized and held where those who presided over the Electoral Council were the High Commanders of the U.S. Army. It was the U.S. Army Officers who counted the votes... What a shame! What a pain! How the Homeland bled! How our people bled! Now History is different, because the People decided so! Now there are l@snicaragüenses of us who constitute ourselves as Organizers, some of us, which is the Electoral Authority, Nicaraguans tod@s, l@s Magistrad@s of the Electoral Power. There is not a single Yankee General there! Likewise, those who count the Votes, those who will have to count the Votes after the Juntas close, will no longer be the Officers of the intervening Yankee Troops, sullying our Homeland, but will be Nicaraguans. And the Prosecutors, Representatives of the Parties that have participated in these Elections betting on Peace, also Nicaraguans... Tod@s Nicaraguans! We greet, of course, this multitude of journalists. Here there are journalists from everywhere, from all parts of our Planet, who follow the Elections in Nicaragua, and who, well, accompany, see, then they will have their criteria, they will make their Reports. Likewise, these Elections today have been accompanied by Electoral Expert@sof Our America, and many invited Friends, ex-Presidents, who have also been invited to accompany, not to supplant the National Electoral Authority! On the occasion of these elections, there has even been a representation of the OAS, all of them to accompany, to see how these elections are developing, but none of them has even come with the intention of supplanting the national authorities. None of them has come with the intention of coming to count the votes. The Electoral Authorities in Nicaragua are Nicaraguan! Those of us who vote, those of us who vote, are Nicaraguans; the Prosecutors are Nicaraguans, and those of us who count the votes are Nicaraguans. That is a Dignified, Sovereign Democracy, as defended by our General Sandino. And what I would highlight most about these Elections, the first time in the History of Nicaragua where by law 50% Women and 50% Men are being elected to Diputad@s. It is not a question that, as happened before, the Lists were going, it is true, Women on the List were going... but in what position? All the Parties said: \"We all have Women\", but in what position? Very few in winning positions. Now there is no way to escape, by law what we know asthe \"Braid\". Vamos trenzados, where a Woman goes forward as a Candidate for Deputy Proprietor, a Male Alternate goes; and where a Male Candidate for Proprietor goes, a Woman goes as Alternate. In such a way, there is no way to escape the 50-50, which is what the Dignity of Nicaraguan Women commands, which is what the Homeland commands, which is what our People command. And another fact that I would say is unprecedented in the Electoral History of our Homeland, is that for the first time in the Electoral Process a New Political Culture was incorporated. Here the Electoral Processes have been of bochinches, of confrontation, of hatred; that is, that is why the People are divided, and therefore the Homeland is divided, and even to death! Electoral processes where there have been deaths. This Electoral Process has been a totally unprecedented Process, and that adds great value to the Electoral Culture of the Nicaraguan People, and that is that we are learning, I say that we are learning and we have already taken the first step, to bring these Electoral Processes with Messages that fill our People with Hope; Commitments that fill our People with Hope, in theEconomic Field, in the Social Field, in the Political Field... in all Fields! Not with the Messages of hate, and Messages of death, which were the ones that thundered and have thundered throughout the history of Nicaragua, since the first Elections were held, those in which only the rich could vote. This is what the Law said: Only those who have a capital of so much can vote. The others cannot vote. So here four rich people elected a President... Well, that is Democracy, for some. And that, in the midst of brawls and hatred because they manipulated l@s Poor, l@s Campesin@s, the People who did not have the right to vote; but they manipulated them to confront them and lead them to wars, and change governments at the point of bullets, as happened throughout our history. Today we are culminating with the Votes this Electoral Process, really, of infinite value, because it was developed without hatred, without confrontation, without deaths. Of course, that draws attention, and some say: \"There are no elections here,\" because we are not insulting each other... \"There are no elections here,\" because we are not sending messages of hate... \"Here it is likethere are no Elections\", because we are not beating the drums of death. Thank God that Miracle was achieved: That hatred, confrontation, or death would not be sown in this Electoral Process that today is culminating with the Vote of l@snicaragüenses, who have given their Vote to Peace. This is a Vote for Peace, for Stability, for Security, for Nicaraguan Families. Our Love, as always... our Love, as always, for all this People, Brave and Dignified, who know how to defend Peace, because they have an immense Love for Peace. Good evening, querid@s Herman@s Nicaraguans. Mem" | 1 | 43 |
Electoral Congress of the SP Switzerland Martigny, 14 February 2015 Can someone warn Philippe Müller of the death of Margaret Thatcher? Speech by Christian Levrat, President of the SP Switzerland Check against delivery. I only vaguely remember the date of February 4, 1975. And for good reason, I was 5 years old. It was on this date that Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of the British Conservatives. On the other hand, I remember well my impression when, in 1992, at the age of 22, I spent a year in Great Britain: public services at half-mast, an education system lacking resources, a class society, employees left to the goodwill of their employers, bled unions, a health system on the verge of asphyxiation. To be honest, this daily discovery of the effects of ultra-liberalism marked me so deeply that I left the Radical Party – where I was still a member – to join, a few years later, the Socialist Party. Why am I telling you about all this? Because I have just read the FDP's paper entitled "Our solutions to the strong franc". It is 18 points directly inspired by theBritish Tories in the early 80s. What does Philippe Müller want? - Lower taxes (for about 10 billion), first and foremost for companies. Introduce a single VAT rate, which is very unfavourable to the middle classes and low incomes. - Deregulate labour law, in particular by creating zones near borders in which the protection of employees could be weakened, or by abolishing the accounting of hours worked. More hours, more overtime. - Reduce public services to their strict basic mission. - Fight against all the ambitious initiatives of the Federal Council: no energy policy 2050, no measures in favour of gender equality, no limitation on the salaries of top managers, no protection for Swiss made, no green energy project. Basically: no, no, no! An extraordinary economic conservatism. Frankly, this program is very similar to that of the English Tories or the American Republicans forty years ago. Could someone warn Philippe Müller that Ronald Reagan and Maggie Thatcher are dead? That the same causes producing the same effects, we do not intend to let the radicals leadour real economy; privatize and liberalize public services. That it is not a question of weakening the unions but, on the contrary, of strengthening them, to allow a real social dialogue. That the population is fed up with cost-cutting programs, cuts in training, in subsidies for health insurance premiums. That it will not allow for much longer to finance tax gifts to the wealthiest, and the miraculous salaries of a few, through deprivations and restrictions. 1 Swiss Socialist Party Spitalgasse 34 P.O. Box · 3001 Bern Telephone 031 329 69 69 Fax 031 329 69 70 [email protected] www.pssuisse.ch Effective measures to protect the employees of the strong franc Comrades, We must give the radicals one credit: they are moving forward without masks. They want to respond to the franc crisis by returning to the ultra-liberalism of the last century. We want more solidarity. A clear choice. We must act in the face of the strong franc, because it is a threat to our jobs. But it must be done with discernment. We demand: 1. As soon as possible, the SNB must ensure a rate of 1.15 francs to the euro. In the medium term, the objective is to return to purchasing power parity.According to several studies, it should be at an exchange rate of between 1.35 and 1.40 francs to the euro. 2. The SP Switzerland, in coordination with the cantonal parties, is calling for half of the SNB's profit distribution (2 billion) to be allocated to strengthening unemployment insurance (UI) and continuing education programmes for people on short-time work. The other half is to be allocated mainly to training, in order to quickly finance an offensive of continuing education and professional development. 3. The SP Switzerland will fight by all means against measures taken to the detriment of workers, such as an extension of working hours, wage cuts, as well as any flexibilization or deregulation, 4. Manufacturers and distributors must pass on foreign exchange gains to consumers. The revision of the Cartel Act must be taken up again quickly, so that import margins can benefit consumers and thus combat the island of high prices that is Switzerland. It's not a bad thing that our opponents on the right are transparent. They want to lower taxes on corporate profits: it's useless. Businessesstruggling people don't pay taxes, they fight to keep a positive margin, to keep their heads above water, to save jobs. Depriving public authorities of more than 10 billion francs, as the FDP is demanding, is simply irresponsible. It's ideology and blindness. Defeating those nostalgic for the Switzerland of the Ancien Régime Comrades, The upcoming elections are going to be decisive. On the one hand, we will have to fight against those who want to transform Switzerland into a European Singapore, into a kind of tax haven where only the banks, the financiers, the wealthiest, the ten percent of the population that the FDP defends, prosper. But on the other hand, it will be up to us to make the voice of an open, supportive and fairer Switzerland heard. To those who dream of denouncing the European Convention on Human Rights, we would say that it is the response of the peoples to the horrors of the Second World War. That it is the guarantor of the rights of our fellow citizens in the face of the excesses of states, that it is the guarantor of peace, between the Atlantic and the Urals. And that it draws its sources, for example, from our Swiss Constitution of 1848. To those who want to let migrants drownin the Mediterranean, we must respond with a call for European solidarity. By an asylum policy that is worthy of our humanitarian tradition. Switzerland has been able to welcome persecuted Hungarians, it has opened its doors to Chileans fleeing Pinochet, it has offered refuge to Kosovars and Bosnians torn apart by civil wars. It cannot remain deaf to the calls of the men and women of Syria. Some no longer want to welcome Muslims. They want to ban their organizations, close their places of worship. Let us have the courage to resist, to say clearly that we want to take in ten times more Syrians than today, that it is urgent to allow women and children stranded in unsanitary camps in Lebanon, Turkey or Jordan to join their husbands or fathers in Switzerland. That their dignity is at stake, of course, but also of our honour as a Swiss man and woman. To fear, hatred, anger, let us respond with generosity! NATO Secretary General Jens Soltenberg, following the attacks in Oslo and the Utoya massacre, had found the words. He was then Norwegian Prime Minister: we will respond to terror with more democracy, moremore openness, more tolerance. This is the message we must convey this autumn. To those who want to denounce free movement and torpedo bilateral agreements, we must reply that we need peaceful relations with our neighbours, that the solution is not isolation but negotiation, that it is not a question of moving towards less, but towards more Europe. The Federal Council is right. The initiative on mass immigration can only be implemented after negotiations with the European Union; only to the extent that it is compatible with free movement. To those who dream of quotas and national preference, we must oppose a real training offensive, specific measures to protect older people on the labour market, real equality of pay for men and women, measures to reconcile family and professional life. And... an extension of bilateral agreements with the European Union. To those who consider that they alone represent the whole of the people, to those who consider direct democracy as a plebiscitary instrument against the authorities, we must oppose a reasonable vision of our institutions. The people, the parliament, the Federal Council, the courts form a whole. Together, they bear the responsibility to makethe decisive choices for our country. The people are not a means of appeal against the Federal Council or parliament, but an actor, among others. Our direct democracy is unique in the world. It entrusts the population with an important responsibility: that of making choices that commit Switzerland as a whole. It is absurd and childish in this context to consider that "the Swiss vote SVP". This denotes not only an arrogance and rudeness that will no longer surprise anyone. But above all, a total lack of knowledge of the institutions of our country. The upcoming elections are decisive. They will see two images of Switzerland confront each other: that of fear and isolation. This Switzerland that dreams of itself in 1291, that wants to celebrate Morgarten and Marignan. The Switzerland of the elites, of the old regime; a Switzerland of subjects. And Switzerland is a country of confidence, optimism and solidarity. This Switzerland that we embody, and that only we are able to carry with sufficient vigour. The Switzerland of freedom, that of human rights, of the separation of powers, of democratic rights. The Switzerland of 1848, that of 1874, that of the general strike of1918. This Switzerland is preparing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on 5 May. This Switzerland that meets on September 12 of each year to commemorate the constitution of 1848. These elections will be played out between them and us. And we have to win them. The advocates of isolation must be defeated. Those nostalgic for Margaret Thatcher must be sent back to their ideology. The Switzerland of openness, solidarity, trust and optimism. This Switzerland of all together, rather than all against all. This Switzerland that leaves no one by the wayside. This warm Switzerland, this generous Switzerland, this Switzerland that dares, that believes that tomorrow will be better than today, that our children will live better than us, this is our Switzerland. It's our voice. This is our fight. Ten proposals for a better life We must fight. To ensure that we all live better at the end of the next legislature than we do today. These elections must allow us to ask the questions that are inconvenient: those of course about our relationship with Europe and the world. Those of our migration policy. But beyond these two themes, which have madeThe subject of our last meeting, on which we published dozens of pages of analyses and proposals, we cannot avoid serious answers to a few concrete questions that are of interest to voters on a daily basis. Of course, they vote for us because they know that we need a strong voice to respond to the nationalist and ultra-liberal excesses of our opponents. Of course, they appreciate our fight for a Switzerland of openness and intelligence in the face of identity or economic obscurantism. But they also expect concrete answers to questions that concern them on a daily basis: - How can equal pay be guaranteed quickly? - How can we better protect older employees? - How can we ensure that enough affordable housing is built? - How can we restore the quality of life in our cities? - How can we support families in an equitable way? - How can the burden of health insurance premiums on household budgets be limited? - How can we guarantee that everyone can live, once retirement comes, with dignity and serenity? We must provide answers to these questions. We do this in our electoral platform: Ten proposals forto change the lives of the Swiss people, to strengthen and modernise solidarity, to support low-income earners, to relieve the middle classes. These proposals are not a substitute for the major debates that await us. But they are added to it. It is right to debate Europe, to defend our open vision of migration. But we must, beyond the imposed figures of the campaign, clearly say how we are going to improve the lives of our voters. To say that voting socialist is to give way to hope for a better life. Together in the campaign As you can see, we are already in the campaign. All over the country, dozens of candidates are making themselves available to the party, ready to carry the message of a united left. I have attended most of the cantonal appointments meetings, will visit more than a dozen and, everywhere, the same feeling: that of an unfailing determination, of a desire to represent all the sensitivities of the left: those of the unions, those of the associative world, those of ecological organizations, those of pensioners, those of employees, those of tenants, those of migrants, those of the Swiss abroad. It is no coincidence that we have in almost all thecantons, candidates with a migrant background. Nor is it surprising to see Swiss nationals living abroad on our lists, such as Tim Guldimann, the current Swiss ambassador to Germany and a candidate for the time being in Zurich. He is the embodiment of our party's integrating force. This is proof that our speeches of openness and fraternity are not a dead letter. This is the demonstration that the Socialist Party is the most international of Swiss political parties. The elections in Basel-Landschaft have just shown us one thing: to win, we must be united. The opponent is on the right, not the Greens, with whom we have to conclude the broadest connections. The opponent is not to the left of the left. But among those nostalgic for the Switzerland of the Ancien Régime. And among those who regret the death of Margaret Thatcher. We will win together. We are going to conduct, throughout the country, thousands, tens of thousands of conversations to convince, to mobilize, to make people aware of the issues, to say how much smarter it is to face the future with confidence than to regret an imaginary past. Together, we will spend dozens,He worked hundreds of hours, on stands, on the phone. Together, let us promise to defend our proposals and our candidates in the coming months, always and everywhere. Every time someone in our families criticizes our proposals, when doubts are expressed about one or the other candidate, we have to react, contradict, argue and convince. Keeping quiet is no longer an option. At the table, in the locker rooms of our sports clubs, in the bistro, in the street, we must engage in conversation, encourage energy, and carry contradiction if necessary. Together we can win these elections. In fact, we have to win them. Because even more than in the past, they will be decisive for the future of our country. They will tell us whether the Switzerland of fear and isolation can be defeated. If we can hope to change mentalities, to improve the lives of each other, for everyone, without privilege. Comrades, this autumn, defeat is not an option. So let's go. Long live the Switzerland that dares, the Switzerland of openness, solidarity and justice. | 1 | 42 |
Dear patriarchs, in the last 16 years our country has undergone a complex path to statehood. overcoming economic crises, social conflicts, party and ideological conflicts, we are building a new life anchored to fundamental democratic principles. today's activities are the strengthening of statehood, the establishment of such a society, Political developments in our country should be based on human dignity, freedom, equality, The latest amendments and additions to the Constitution of the United States create the necessary prerequisites for accomplishing these objectives, ensuring a more balanced relationship between the branches of power; ensure the effective implementation of democratic power and public self-organization in our country. that improving electoral processes and holding democratic elections is no longer a tradition in India. not dusting our capabilities in unnecessary debates about past missions and mistakes, but cooperating and engaging in constructive dialogue for those goals and on issues related to our national-political priorities and intended to build the future. Armenia, We have a clear and real vision of the development of the country. Our strategic objective is to build Armenia that will unite the community by preserving and developingIn Armenia, which we seek, there must be an atmosphere of mutual respect, love, and forgiveness. Our future is a knowledge-based society. In Armenia, which we seek, should be safe, For any Armenian family, education and knowledge will be the most demanding values. Armenia, which we seek, will have the confidence of its citizens. There will be no artificial barriers between government and citizens. To bring all of this to life is not easy. No achievement has ever been given to our people. We have always succeeded in victory because of will and unity. Therefore, take new accomplishments to Armenia, to Armenia, to Armenia of Well-being.be the President of the United States, aiming: to strengthen the constitution in the world, considering the preservation of the Constitution to be a superior problem for him, consider the normal functioning of legislative, executive, and judicial authorities to be the most important guarantee of the effective functioning of the state system, as the independence of Armenia; guarantee of territorial integrity and security, guided not only by current theocratic problems but also on prospective, strategic approaches and solutions with logic. Second-generation reform program 1. Unity as the main prerequisite for second-generation reform is the spiritual unity of our people, which implies the development of a necessary atmosphere of cooperation and trust. "Unity, headship, freedom in the second, and love in all things." The center of economic interest is motherland. The world's landscape is really interested in Armenia's development, which means that it's impossible to develop and implement any global program without taking into account this factor. is the combined potential of government. We're going to be government and private to invest in a partnership perspective between the segments, which will ensure the collaboration and implementation of the most important national and local projects, We will be open to constructive proposals, discussions, and cooperation, emphasizing as wellthe role of the Constitutional Institute to address the people and the National Assembly with a message. expanding the worldview of our citizens is an important condition for building a new society. Culture will reinforce the ties of Armenians around the world, The historical and cultural heritage of the Armenian people, the wealth of nature, and the many traditional qualities of our identity We have an excellent opportunity to shape an unprecedented situation as a result of presidential elections that will be free of meaningless political conflicts and tensions, will provide harmonious and effective cooperation between legislative and executive authorities, regardless of judicial authority for the purposes our ancestors have sought for centuries. to lower it to the point that there will be no more room, we're not in favor of it. We don't advocate slander. They've reached such a degree, They have gone so far in their rage that they bring evidence that they are incompatible with reality. They try to use the tragic pages of our newly formed republic's childhood without remorse. As one of the causes of this tragedy, they point to this side; After years of silence and hidden rejoicing in this tragedy, they have finally become a defender of the victims.why I don't give a response to these rhetoric, why I treat this evil calmly; Shall I answer evil in evil? Shall I answer evil with anger? We don't have that time. We're busy with serious problems. We collect taxes, The income portion of the 2008 AFB exceeds the internal output of 96. We have raised pensions since January. They say they will raise four times. Jehovah's Witnesses would be pleased to discuss this answer why? You paid people a $10 pension, you didn't get it for months. We're going to raise wages twice, they say we'll raise five times. Why? In 96 C.E., you paid 15,000 dollars from the teacher, and it was 5 to 6 months late. All health facilities had debts, health facilities had debts to health facilities as well. I suggest you compare what they say and our plans. By adopting the foreign plan, you will contribute to the formation of righteous authorities in Armenia, And behold, with this compassion, here I say with this confidence, Armenia, take to new Armenia, to the mirror of our dreams. | 2 | 103 |
Name of politician: Chen Shui-bian
Title of Speech: Candidate Chen speech on the eve of 2000 presidential election
Date of Speech: 17/03/2000
Category: Campaign speech
Chinese Title of the speech: 陈水扁2000年总统选举选前之夜演讲
Time: 中華民國89年03月17日
Location: 台北市中山足球場的造勢晚會
Words：3300
Body of the speech:
我們最敬愛的，明天開始就是我們台灣新的執政黨主席林義雄林主席，我們台灣民主自由之父彭明敏彭教授，我們台灣人永遠的中心中央研究院李委員，阿扁的老師全台灣憲法的權威李鴻禧李教授、歷屆各位主席、我們未來的副總統，也是我們台灣歷史以來第一位女性的副總統呂秀蓮，各位先進同志、各位黨職、公職各位先進同志、各位嘉賓、各位父老鄉親、兄弟姊妹、少年朋友、小朋友，大家晚安大家恭喜大家好。
今天晚上我們台北市非常的美麗，這是有史以來最大的盛會，也是有史以來最偉大的民主之夜。只有真正的民主才是最美麗的對不對?剛才阿扁在台中坐飛機回台北，在飛機上空中看下來，阿扁看到大家在中山足球場裡裡外外都是人，剛才我做車子要進來的時候，從中山北路、民族東路、酒泉街，包括我們捷運的沿線都是人，所以，超過四十萬人參加今天的民主之夜，難怪台北市今天的夜晚這麼樣的漂亮對不對?明天我們就要來投票了，天亮我們就要來投票，要來選出中華民國第十任的總統、副總統，要來選出台灣民選以來第二屆的總統、副總統，我相信大家已經都準備好了。我們不只要為台灣選一個新的未來，最重要我們也是為了下一代一個非常學習的東西，這是最好的教育，也是最好的示範。
在飛機上的時候，阿扁看到自由晚報的一份專欄文章，中研院蕭新煌教授所寫的，從318到520他提醒我們明天要投下神聖一票的時候，我們應該做如何的選擇，到底我們要讓從窮困當中成長、有理想可以改革的人來當選?還是要讓舊的國民黨繼續的執政下去，或者要讓舊的特權勢力復僻，完全在我們手中的神聖一票，我們該如何抉擇，特別蕭新煌教授又指出我們要為我們的下一代、我們的孩子來找，到底誰可以做我們孩子的好榜樣，是要學那位殷實的人呢?是要學那位買票的人呢?或者要學那個不老實的人呢?或者要學那位阿舍囝(公子哥)或者要學台灣之子呢?如果我們選擇要讓我們的孩子學那位會A錢的人，或者那一位買票的人，這是一個最錯誤最不好的民主教育，因為我們大家知道這屆選總統竟然有人在買票，大家都有聽過台灣頭到台灣尾東部到西部，很多人已經拿到錢。選總統買票已經變成國際新聞，上國際媒體這是一件非常羞恥的事情。今天我們選出買票的人做我們的總統，我們的孩子來學他做一個對象，在這我要拜託所有的爸爸、媽媽，我們各位阿公、阿罵來做一個思考，如果選那位會A錢的人，我相信未來我們孩子難教育。如果要學這款，我們孩子如果做我們不歡喜的事情，我們是要怎麼對他教訓?同樣的道理，一位不老實的人、說謊的人要怎麼作為孩子學習的對象呢。今天阿扁要來提醒大家四年前，這位A錢的人、說謊的人，竟然口口聲聲要替李登輝先生擋子彈，當時還將台幣換成美金匯去美國。我真的很想問他，他到底當時是怎麼想的?怎麼對台灣這麼沒有信心，一樣的道理，那一組的總統、副總統候選人，兩個家庭加起來不過11個人，竟然有7張外國的護照，我真的也要請問他，竟然對台灣這麼樣的沒有信心，怎麼可能台灣人民會把重責大任來交給他，難道台灣人民是這麼樣的好欺騙的嗎?我不相信、我不相信。
李遠哲，中研院的院長，他在三月五號的公開演講，特別提到五年跟五十年的觀念，台灣政府如果在未來的五年，沒有真正的改革就會影響到台灣未來五十年的發展，尤其在21世紀之初，台灣的改革如果無法成功讓台灣在國際上社會居於領先地位，一旦落後台灣要向上提升，要迎頭趕上就會非常困難，我們真的很感動也非常欽佩李遠哲院長最後說明站出來，很多很多社會的菁英、很多很多社會的清流、很多很多社會的賢達，也都跟他一樣站了出來，我們真的非常感動。我相信李院長站出來，這些學術界的領袖、企業界的領袖、文化界的領袖還沒站出來，不是因為陳水扁跟呂秀蓮而站出來，也不是因為民進黨而站出來，我相信他們站出來是為公理站出來、為正義站出來、為真理站出來。他們沒有站在黑金那一邊，也沒有站在反改革腐化無能的那邊，他們全部站在改革這邊、正確歷史的這一邊。所以，我們要號召全民同胞，包括爸爸媽媽們、婦女同胞、年輕朋友，我們都應要向李遠哲院長、以及社會這一些社會清流一樣，全部為真理、正義、公理站出來。我們已經接近勝利，我們已經接近當選，但是我還是要再次提醒大家有信心更要小心，不能夠大意，無論如何明天一定要出來投票，更要返鄉投票。我們每一個人的每一張選票，每一張機票每一張車票，都可以改變台灣的未來、都可以改寫台灣的歷史，請大家不要缺席投票好不好!很久，非常正確的公平，我們已經得到三十六趴以上的得票率，換作選票超過四百二十三萬，我們已經跨過當選的門檻了。
所以，阿扁作為新的國家領導人，人民意志的實現者，我要在這個地方對全民提出五點保證:第一，阿扁作為台灣的新總統，我一定為捍衛台灣國家安全，追求台海的永久和平，追求台灣的主權永久確保，不可以讓人和國家吞併。第二，阿扁作為國家新的領導人，我一定要改善社會治安，消除黑金政治。從事經濟改革、政治改革、社會改革、教育改革、司法改革、心靈改革，要讓所有台灣人民安定大賺錢。特別阿扁總統，一定會維護我們金融的穩定、股市健全、保證上萬點。第三，阿扁以作為民進黨黨員為榮為傲，阿扁會繼續為民進黨來付出奉獻。但是當阿扁當選總統以後，我不是民進黨一黨專屬的總統，我是全國兩千三百萬同胞不分黨派、不分族群、不分省籍、不分性別的全民總統。所以為了維持落實台灣的國家利益高於政黨利益跟個人利益，在阿扁五月二十號就職總統以後，我會辭掉民進黨的中常委職務，我會不參與接下來的民進黨的黨務運作。換句話說，民進黨絕對不會以黨領政，黨政不分，好不好。第四點，阿扁在明天當選總統以後，我會立即成立一個包括民進黨、國民黨、新黨、建國黨及其他無黨無派的人士代表，來組成跨黨派小組。由李遠哲院長擔任召集人，我們要面對最近海峽兩岸的緊張關係、誤會跟誤解，我們會拿出積極的善意，來展開跟中國的諮商跟溝通。當然之前最重要的是，透過這樣的跨黨派的小組凝聚全民的共識、朝野的共識，因為我們認為未來的兩岸的談判，不是一人談判、一黨談判，而是全民談判。最後一點，阿扁在明天當選總統以後，我們也會透過這個跨黨派小組，能夠針對選舉期間所帶來的不必要的對立跟矛盾，來做溝通以最大的包容來化解歧見，來凝聚共識來做好重建的工作。當然對其他不同的總統候選人所提出的政見，只要是有益於國家、有益於人民，阿扁總統不會因人廢言，也不會因黨而廢言，我們一定會好好研究，加以非常作為阿扁總統主政之下的施政重要參考。
在這一年多的時間，阿扁走遍全國，很多人在問我阿扁，你真的不會累嗎?我要跟大家講，腳會痠，手會痛，但是阿扁的心不會累。看到我們大家我不會累，看到我的太太我不會累，只要我們的心不累，只要我們的心還在溫溫燒燒，不會累。我們就有體力，我們就有力量，我們就能為我們台灣找出更美好的未來，對吧!今年剛好是我跟我的太太吳淑珍結婚25周年，25年來給我太太坐輪椅15年，接下還有一輩子。但是我們無怨無悔，我們面對各種的壓力、挫折跟圍剿。我們也從來不以為意，就像我的成長過程學二十年，在艱困中來長大，面對各種不順，面對各種的負擔，各種的恥笑。阿扁從來沒有忘記各種機會跟可能，阿扁堅信人窮只要志不窮，我們就有機會就有未來，所以五十年來，前二十年讓阿扁養成一個非常獨立、堅韌的個性，就像李遠哲院長所說的:艱困中成長的人，有著最美好的理想。
兩年前的台北市市長選舉，阿扁失敗了，我感謝大家給我休息、反省的機會，但是我仍然不解，很多人說阿扁失敗了，不可能再爬起來。甚至還有我們的對手這樣的笑我，說阿扁連市長都選輸了，憑什麼還能夠競選總統?我真的輸了嗎?阿扁跟大家一樣，都是台灣之子，都是番薯仔，從無到有，由下而上，在有限的條件裡面，在最惡劣的環境之下，我們都要開創無限的可能，對不對!
支持陳水扁，就是支持李遠哲，給陳水扁一票就是給我們社會清流一個希望，再次懇求大家，明天從家裡走到投票所，也許對個人來講只是一小步，但是我們能夠一起用選票來改寫歷史，用愛來創造歷史。來完成政黨輪替，讓民進黨扶正，絕對是我們台灣歷史民主的一大步，阿扁再次的懇求大家，拜託各位讓我們一起用選票來改改寫歷史，用愛來創造歷史，好不好!謝謝大家，祝福各位，謝謝。
Google Translate：
Our most beloved, who will be Taiwan ’s new ruling party ’s chairman since tomorrow, Lin Yixiong Lin, our father of Taiwan ’s democracy and freedom, Professor Peng Mingmin Peng, we Taiwan ’s eternal center member of the Central Research Institute, and Li ’s teacher. Authoritative Professor Li Hongxi, all previous chairmen, our future vice presidents, and our first female vice president in Taiwan ’s history, Lu Xiulian, advanced comrades, party positions, advanced comrades in public office, distinguished guests, fellow fathers and mothers, brothers Good night, sisters, teenage friends, children, congratulations.
This evening our Taipei city is very beautiful. This is the biggest event ever and the greatest democracy night ever. Only true democracy is the most beautiful, right? I took a plane back to Taipei in Taichung and looked down on the plane. I saw everyone inside and outside the Zhongshan football stadium. I just made a car. When coming in, people are from Zhongshan North Road, Minzu East Road, Jiuquan Street, including our MRT. So, with more than 400,000 people participating in today ’s democratic night, it is no wonder that Taipei City is so beautiful today. Is that right? Tomorrow we are going to vote. At dawn we are going to vote. We are going to choose the tenth president and vice president of the Republic of China. We are going to choose the second president and vice president since Taiwan ’s election. I believe everyone has already It's all ready. We don’t just choose a new future for Taiwan. Most importantly, we are also learning something for the next generation. This is the best education and the best demonstration.
While on the plane, I saw a column from Liberty Evening News written by Professor Xiao Xinhuang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. From 318 to 520, he reminded us that when we want to cast a sacred vote tomorrow, what choices should we make? Should we vote for someone who grow out of poverty, having ideals and determining to implement the reform? Or should we vote for the old Kuomintang, letting them continue to rule and revitalizing the old privileged power? A sacred vote is completely in each of our hands. How should we choose? In particular, Professor Xiao Xinhuang also pointed out that we are looking for our next generation and our children. Who can be a good role model for our children? Should we learn from the wealthy man? Should we learn from the person who buys the ticket? ? Or should we learn from the dishonest person? Or should we learn from the one born with a silver spoon or to learn the son of Taiwan? If we choose to let our children learn the person who is abusing the public funds, or that a ticket-buyer, this is the most wrong and worst democratic education. Because we all know that some people are buying tickets in this presidential election. Many people have got the money. A president candidate buying his ticket has become international news, and it is a very shameful thing for Taiwan to show in the international media because of this. Today we selected the person who bought the ticket to be our president, and our children came to learn him as an object. Here I want to ask all the fathers and mothers, we grandpas and curses, to think about it. If we vote for the one who is abusing the public funds, I believe that it will be difficult for our children to educate in the future. If we want to learn this, if our children do things that we don’t like, how can we teach him? The same reason, how can an unscrupulous person and a liar be the model of the children. Today, I am going to remind everyone that four years ago, this corruptive person and the liar even said that he wanted to block the bullets for Mr. Lee Teng-hui, and at that time he exchanged Taiwan dollars for US dollars and went to the United States. I really wanted to ask him, what exactly did he think then? Why was he so unconfident in Taiwan? Similarly, the two families of the presidential and vice presidential candidates from the other group has 11 people in total, but there were 7 of them have foreign passports. I really want to ask him, if he has no confidence in Taiwan, how can the Taiwanese people give him the heavy responsibility? Does he think the Taiwanese people so easily to be deceived? ,I do not believe. I do not believe.
Yuan Tseh Lee, the dean of the Chinese Academy of Research, gave a public speech on March 5th, especially mentioning the concept of five years and fifty years. If the Taiwan government does not have real reforms in the next five years, it will affect Taiwan in the next 50 years. Development, especially at the beginning of the 21st century, if Taiwan's reforms fail to make Taiwan a leader in the international community, it will be very difficult to catch up with Taiwan once it lags behind Taiwan. We are really moved and admire Dean Yuan Tseh Lee In the end, it stood out that a lot of elites in society, a lot of society's clear stream, a lot of society's talents, also stood up like him, we are really moved. I believe President Li stood up. These academic leaders, business leaders, and cultural leaders stood out not because of Chen Shui-bian and my partner Annette Lu, nor because of the DPP. I believe they stood up because they want to stand for the right things, for justice and for truth. They are not on the side of black gold politics, or on the side of anti-reform and corruption. They are all on the side of reform and the side of correct history. Therefore, we must call on all our fellow citizens, including our parents, including our parents, women, and young friends. We should all like the dean of Yuan Tseh Lee, other righteous and honest men and all of which stand for truth, justice, and justice. We are close to victory, we are close to being elected, but I still want to remind you again that you have to be more confident and be careful, not to be careless. You must come out and vote tomorrow, anyway. Every vote, every fight ticket an coach ticket can change the future of Taiwan and rewrite Taiwan ’s history. Please don’t vote in absentia, please! For a long time, it ’s very correct and fair. We ’ve got With a voting rate of over thirty-six, in exchange for more than 4.23 million votes, we have crossed the threshold for election.
Therefore, as the new leader of the country and the implementer of the people's will, I would like to offer five guarantees to the entire people in this place: First, as the new president of Taiwan, I must protect the national security of Taiwan and pursue the Taiwan Strait. The permanent peace of Taiwan and the pursuit of Taiwan's sovereignty will ensure that it cannot be annexed by people and the country. Second, as the new leader of the country, I must improve social security and eliminate black politics. To engage in economic reform, political reform, social reform, education reform, judicial reform, and spiritual reform, we must make all Taiwanese people stable and profitable. In particular, as a president , I will certainly maintain our financial stability, sound stock market, and guarantee tens of thousands of points. Third, I am proud to be a member of the DPP, and I will continue to contribute to the DPP. But when I am elected president, I will not be president of the DPP only. I will be the president of the country ’s 23 million people, regardless of their party, ethnic group, province, or gender. Therefore, in order to maintain the realization of Taiwan ’s national interests above party interests and personal interests, after I taking office as president on May 20, I will resign from the DPP ’s Central Standing Committee. I will not participate in the next DPP Party affairs. In other words, the DPP will never ruling the country under its party system and making no difference between the party and the country . Fourthly, after I am elected president tomorrow, I will immediately set up a representative of the DPP, the KMT, the New Party, the Founding Party, and other non-party parties to form a cross-party group. I will appoint Dean Yuan Tseh Lee as the convener, we have to face the recent tensions, misunderstandings and misunderstandings between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. We will show positive goodwill to start consultations and communication with China. Of course, the most important thing before is to consolidate the consensus of the whole people and the consensus of the government and the public through such cross-party groups, because we believe that the future cross-strait negotiations will not be one-person negotiations or one-party negotiations, but national negotiations. Finally, after I am elected president tomorrow, we will also use this cross-party group to communicate with the needless oppositions and contradictions brought about during the election, to resolve differences with the greatest tolerance, and to build consensus. Do a good job of reconstruction. Of course, as for the political opinions put forward by different presidential candidates, as long as it is good for the country and the people, I will not refrain the freedom of the speech no matter who he is or which party he comes from. We will definitely study this policy carefully. It will serves as an important reference for the administration of President Chen Shui-bian.
Over the past year, I have traveled all over the country. Many people are asking me , are you really not tired? I want to tell you that your feet will be sore and your hands will hurt, but my heart is not Will be tired. I don’t get tired of seeing all of us, I don’t get tired of seeing my wife, as long as our heart is not tired, as long as our heart is still burning, it won’t be tired. We have physical strength, we have strength, and we can find a better future for our Taiwan, right! This year is just the 25th anniversary of my wife Wu Shuzhen ’s marriage. I ’ve been in a wheelchair for 15 years for 25 years. There is a lifetime. But we have no regrets, we face all kinds of pressure, frustration and siege. We have never thought of it, just like my 20 years of growing up, growing up in hardship, facing all kinds of discomforts, facing all kinds of burdens, all kinds of smirks. I have never forgotten all opportunities and possibilities. My firmly believes that as long as people are poor, we have a chance to have a future. So for the past 20 years, I have developed a very independent and tough personality. As Dean Yuan Tseh Lee said: People who grow up in hardship have the best ideals.
The election of the mayor of Taipei two years ago, I failed. I thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to rest and reflect, but I still don’t understand. Many people say that I have failed and cannot climb up again. Our opponent even laughed at me like this, saying that Chen Shui-bian even lost in the election of mayor, why can he run for president? Am I really losing? Like everyone, I am the son of Taiwan and a sweet potato which is resilient and tough. We come from nothing. We come from the bottom. We come from the limited conditions and in the harshest conditions. But we all have to create infinite possibilities. Is that right?
To support Chen Shui-bian is to support Yuan Tseh Lee. Giving Chen Shui-bian a vote is to give our society a hope, especially for the decent people. We ask everyone to walk from home to the polls tomorrow. Maybe it is just a small step for individuals, but we can use votes to rewrite history and make history with love. To complete the rotation of political parties and let the DPP make things right is definitely a big step in our historical democracy in Taiwan. I once again ask everyone to use your votes to rewrite history and use love to create history, OK? Thank you, and bless you all, thank you. | 2 | 116 |
Speaker: Otto Pérez Molina Title of speech: Various spots by Candidate Otto Pérez Molina, of the Patriot Party for the 2011 presidential elections in Guatemala. Date: 2011 Location: Guatemala, Guatemala Source: http://www.archivoelectoral.org/campana/2011-guatemala-presidencial/210/ Compatriots I ask you to meditate on your vote http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/compatriotas-les-pido-que-mediten-su-voto/4383 Compatriots I ask you to meditate on your vote. Guatemala is experiencing its worst moment: out-of-control violence, high prices, no medicines in hospitals. It is time to say between those who want us to live in fear or those who are going to fight in the face of crime. It is time to have a president with character so that we can all live better. That is my commitment. I give you my word. Child malnutrition http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/desnutricion-infantil/4384 One million children suffer from malnutrition in Guatemala. The Patriot Party will implement the zero hunger policy with which we love all sectors to work together to eliminate hunger and malnutrition that is affecting the development of Guatemala's children. I will work firmly and decisively in favor of our children with three major components. First, the 1,000-day window to combat malnutrition in children in the first two years of life. Second, nutritional food security whereAll families will have access to adequate food. And third, institutional strengthening to ensure compliance with the law and the nutritional food security policy. In my government we will fight child malnutrition. That is my commitment. The Guatemala I want http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/la-guatemala-que-quiero/4385 I want to show you the Guatemala I dream of. The Guatemala we all want. A country of peace and tranquility in which the security of every Guatemalan will be a way of life. The Guatemala I want will be a country without violence, safe, with justice. Security and justice will be the day to day that we all dream of. I give you my word. Character http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/caracter/4382 Why do Guatemalans want a president with character? We want an honest president but with firmness to confront crime. Willing to face the problems that today threaten Guatemalans. Call to vote http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/llamado-al-voto/4386 On September 11 we will elect the next president of Guatemala. To you, who have not yet decided your vote who still feels undecided. I want to encourage you to vote for the change proposed by the Patriot Party. I will work for a change that generates security, justice and jobs. I am sure that if you give me your trust together we will changethe history of Guatemala. I give you my word. Let's go Guatemala http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/vamos-guatemala/1515 Guatemalans want a change for our country. More and more of us are saying no to a country with fear and to a country at peace. Thank you Guatemalans because every day there are more of us who want things to change and it does not fit me hard that with a strong hand, head and heart that change can be achieved. Thank you http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/gracias/1527 compatriots, I wish to express my deep gratitude for your support and trust in me. The Guatemala we all want is getting closer and closer: a prosperous and competitive country. A country where peace and progress are breathed. Today I want to invite you all. To the determined young people, to the Valali women, to the hardworking men who live in this great country so that together we can build the Guatemala that we all want. A Guatemala at peace. The Guatemala of opportunities. Change is possible and I have no doubt that together we will achieve it. Again, thank you very much. Unions http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/sindicatos/4415 When we respect the worker here, rather we dignify the work of the public servant, things will change. We want theGuatemalans but we want there to be that social justice that is so important. Health http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/salud-/4412 We know how the hospitals, health centers, are without equipment and without medicines. In my government I am going to declare the health system of Guatemalans a national emergency. I am going to guarantee that there are always trained personnel and medicines at the health posts. For a safe Guatemala with health services for all. Social Programs http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/programas-sociales/4410 I speak to the Guatemala that is ready for change. I do not forget you who gave your lives to Guatemala. They will receive the benefits to which they are entitled. To you, Guatemalan, I guarantee that you will have safe and crime-free streets. To the generation of today's Guatemala, I am going to support you with scholarships so that you can finish your studies. Change comes from a safe Guatemala. Message from Otto Perez http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/mensaje-otto-perez/4409 Compatriots, good evening. Thank you for allowing me into your homes. As you know, the electoral campaign is coming to an end and as you know that is why it is important to ask you to take a few minutes to reflect on this. Do it for yourself and your family, but above all for Guatemala. Our country is experiencing a critical moment in its history due tothat the accumulated problems of poverty, unemployment and insecurity have created a pessimistic feeling that nothing can change in Guatemala. My conviction is that change is possible. But to make that change, Guatemala needs a responsible and serious president, who has knowledge and experience, who assumes risks and threats. A president who governs with wisdom, rectitude and prudence. But also with a firm hand and respect for the law. This time we cannot make a mistake in voting. Why cannot Guatemala continue with the insecurity, the lack of opportunities, the corruption that prevails in the country today. Guatemalans are tired of so much death, lies and false promises. That is why I invite everyone to go and vote. Let us remember that the vote is free and secret. Let us not let others decide our future as a nation. The real change is represented by the Patriot Party and that is why its decision is important. This November 6 voting for Otto Pérez Molina and Roxana Baldetti. Good night. Emergency rains http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/lluvias-emergencia/4408 Guatemalans. This is the time to unite and blame our political differences. Our nation needs us. In the face of the national emergency, the Partiota Party suspends all its activitiespolicies to prioritize affected communities. From this moment on, we invite you to take clothes, food and medicines to any of our 349 locations where they will be delivered to those who need them. Today it is for Guatemala. Nothing and no one http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/nada-ni-nadie/4392 If we have God's blessing and the support of each one of you, I am sure nothing, nothing, and no one will be able to stop us. We are going this September with great strength to rescue Guatemala to achieve change. OPM Security http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/opm-seguridad/4395 Thousands of Guatemalans are victims of assaults, kidnappings, murders, this has to change. We have to arrest and imprison criminals. This is my priority. I give you my word. Transfer http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/transferencias/4397 The conditional cash transfer program is going to continue, it is going to continue but we are going to improve it. Because we are going to do it with transparency. We are going to make it institutional and not a clientelistic and populist program. Not to favor an electoral platform but to serve the Guatemalans who need it most. Drugs http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/drogas/4398 Compatriots. Guatemala is immersed in an environment of permanent criminality that causes hundreds of Guatemalans to lose their lives every month. International criminal organizations use thenational territory for the transfer of dorgas. That is why the effectiveness of efforts in the fight against drug trafficking will only be the product of the commitment and re-economy of the responsibility of the countries that are the products, of those that have become warehouses and routes for the transfer of drugs, and for those countries that consume drugs. As presidential candidate of the Patriot Party, I took on the challenge of leading the project of change. That is why I announced the implementation of a great pact for peace, democratic security and justice. My commitment to the people of Gautemalt is to fight tirelessly for their safety and well-being. Older adults http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/adultos-mayores/4400 Our elders gave their lives. They worked hard to get ahead. In my government I am going to strengthen the program for the elderly. Providing more resources to benefit more seniors. I will also make the mechanisms for incorporating and accessing the benefits of the program easy and simple. For a safe Guatemala with attention to the elderly. He will support agriculture http://www.archivoelectoral.org/videos/apoyara-la-agricultura/4402 In my government I am going to double the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture so that farmers have the fertilizer they need, improved seeds, training and technification, access tocredits and markets where to sell their products at a better price. Change comes for a safe and prosperous Guatemala. | 1 | 67 |
Speech 14 June 2002 Göran Persson, Prime Minister Part of Prime Minister Göran Persson's speech at the Riksdag's party leaders' debate on 14 June 2002 The next time we meet, we will meet in the streets and squares, in debates and conversations. Each of us will articulate, argue and agitate for exactly what we and our parties want and stand for. If we Social Democrats are given renewed confidence to lead Sweden even after the election on 15 September, I envisage four major areas on which we will concentrate our efforts. It's about building on what we're proud of, but not satisfied with. First: Sweden should be a country in work and growth. Work is the foundation of prosperity and welfare. Therefore, labour market and business policy must be constantly adjusted and modernised. This must be done in collaboration – between companies and unions, between the state and the social partners. During the coming parliamentary term, I want to see a new consensus in Sweden. Let us come together around an investment plan for jobs and growth. It is about investments in basic infrastructure; in roads and railways, in new technology and research, and – not least – in more housing. It is about investments inWorkplace; investments that eliminate the jobs that break down physically and mentally. This involves investments in both growth regions and in vulnerable areas. And it's about making better use of investments already made. Take the pensioners. They are healthier, more active and more knowledgeable than any other former pensioners. We cannot afford to retire their knowledge and their willingness to contribute to the development of society. Second: Sweden must be modern, open and knowledge-seeking. We are one of the richest countries in the world. We are one of the world's most knowledgeable peoples. We have an obligation to the poor world – for their sake, but also for our sake. During the coming parliamentary term, I want to hear an even stronger Swedish voice in the world, in Europe and in our immediate area. This applies not least to the work for common survival; to allow environmental considerations to permeate all decisions at all levels. At the same time, we know that the world is no longer just outside Sweden's borders – the world is here and now, in our midst. It's a huge opportunity. Diversity enriches society. That is why we cannot afford to have immigrants sidelined. During the coming parliamentary term, I want to make integration policy a first-class task for our entire country:for the government and parliament, for the trade unions and the business community, for popular movements and organizations, for individuals. Third: Sweden should be a country of security and freedom "There is no value of freedom greater than the feeling of security." So wrote Tage Erlander in his little pamphlet "The Society of Freedom of Choice." It is as true as it is said. It is only in safety that freedom prevails. During the coming parliamentary term, I want to shine a light on the whole of Swedish society, every little nook and cranny: Where is the feeling of insecurity? Is it on the streets and squares? Is it in the face of threats of violence and crime? Is it in the face of the risk of not being allowed to age in dignity? Is it in stressful workplaces? Is it because the groups of children in kindergarten are too big? Is it because the queues in healthcare are too long? Each of these islands of insecurity must be combated: With increased resources where needed – it takes precedence over large tax cuts. With better working methods where necessary. With new solutions where required. The foundation for security is laid early. At home, where parents have time with their children. In preschool. Then elementary school. Then upper secondary school. Finally, the university. And then the further education during the different stages of life. We Social Democrats do not want schools toSort the students. The school must teach pupils to sort information and acquire knowledge. Only safe students can do that. School should stimulate the desire to learn. During the coming parliamentary term, I want to take further steps in education policy: more preschool teachers, more adults in school, more teachers, more universities and colleges, more educational opportunities. More, better, higher, more. Any other ambitions do not apply to a Social Democratic education policy, because security is a future in freedom. Fourthly: Sweden shall be a country of life and desire, in change and improvement. Modern man is curious and creative. She tries new ways, breaks boundaries and broadens perspectives. She needs material security and livelihood. But she needs something more. Without culture, we wouldn't know everything it can. Without culture, we would not understand what we think we understand. Without culture, we would not be who we are. No one would see the new ones. No one would understand the old. At the same time, culture is a beacon of touch towards the future and an anchor in history. Together, during the coming parliamentary term, let us lift culture, architecture, form and design – all that is characterised by creativity and creativity – to new heights. Culture becomes an area of reform if social democracygains the voters' trust. * * * In this way, the contours of the next parliamentary term's major tasks are becoming increasingly clear: the major investments in jobs and growth. A new climate of consensus. The work against global environmental threats. Integration policy. To shape a working life that does not wear people out. More people in work after sick leave. Better healthcare. Intensifying the fight against crime and the causes of crime. A school that does not sort students, but that sorts information and teaches knowledge. To better take advantage of pensioners' willingness to contribute to the development of society. More universities. Culture. And even more culture. This is what a modern, social democratic agenda looks like. Both development and equality, both freedom and security. It is this policy that we Social Democrats will be asking the voters to vote for on 15 September. http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/1122/a/4114 | 0 | 32 |
In the name of God, the most Merciful and most Gracious,
I thank God the Almighty for the opportunity I have been given tonight to appear in front of you good, Revolutionary, and sincere people of Qom. We find ourselves in the company of the great and wise [religious figures], but most of all, in front of Vali-Asr [12th Imam due to come back], and I want to take this opportunity to refresh our memories with some lessons from the Revolution. In a gathering of the most loyal advocates of the Revolution, what better topic is there to talk about than the Revolution itself? My dear friends, the Islamic Revolution was the greatest event in the history of our nation. Since Islam was first introduced to the Iranian nation, there has not been a single event of equal importance [than the Islamic Revolution]. The Islamic Revolution has influenced our very being, our destiny, our reason d’etre, our future, and humanity as a whole. It was not just a simple uprising or a revolt, neither was it an emotionally-driven ephemeral movement by one group to overthrow another and take power, to topple one dynasty and install another, or to provide for the well-being of one layer in society, or one group of people. My dear friends, the Islamic Revolution is the continuation of what our Imams started; the two [movements] are the same in essence. It finds its roots in their history. It started with an uprising, then banners came together and it turned into a huge popular movement with a stated goal. The Islamic Revolution is not apart from this [greater] movement; it is paving the way for it, and standing at the peak of it. The substance of our Revolution is the substance of that movement. Those beautiful slogans that you shouted when the Revolution broke out and are still shouting today—there are some who believe that a group of politicians or poets sat together in a room and fabricated those slogans, but we won’t be fooled—those slogans make up the interpretation of that worldly doctrine. One of the first slogans that we shouted was that our movement is “Husayni” [referring to Imam Husayn, one of the most revered Imams among Shi’ah Muslims]. This movement is of the same nature, and it is that very substance that has given it its perennial character. Our Imams pursued a short run goal as well as a long run one. Our Revolution has a short run and a long run goal as well. What all the prophets throughout history have struggled for was aimed at that introduction; they all came to pave the way for a global movement. They all came together to lay bricks for a platform. What is that platform? It is the starting point for the bright and ultimate goal of a world ruled by Islam. They all came for that sole purpose. My dear friends, the Islamic Revolution has a sole purpose too; it came to pass in order to lay the foundation for an advance and cultivated Islamic society which will ultimately spark that global movement. Our Revolution, therefore, seeks to establish the same precedent. If we take away this historical connection, and pervert its goals and purposes, there will be nothing left from it. In fact, the rule of the Velayat-e Faqih [Supreme Leadership] is just an exercise for life under a world Islamic power. The Supreme Leader is our connection to that form of governance. Our Revolution seeks nothing less than the establishment of a prototype for an advance Islamic society that will be exemplified by the rest of the world. It was with the help of the Almighty and the determination of our Imam [Khomeini] that it took roots right here in Qom and emerged victorious despite heavy opposition from various enemies. That was the first step; the second is the establishment of an Islamic regime. It is with the Almighty’s help that that goal has been achieved in this country, although up to this very day, more than 220,000 of our best people have been torn to peaces for its insurability. In order to sustain and consolidate this, our nation sacrificed what it held most dear; its young, faithful, and pure men and women. When the Islamic regime was finally established, the third step was to create an Islamic government, and the forth was [the creation of] an Islamic country. Thereby, the government would guarantee the preservation of Islamic teachings, doctrines, and virtues in all aspects of our society, so our schools, homes, bazaars, and our streets all carry with them the scent of Islam. This becomes an Islamic country prepared for the final takeoff. I want to say a few words about the Islamic government. If we want to have healthy and fair elections, we need to do two things: the first is to examine the last 10 to 15 years and see what happened during this period. What was achieved? What were the strong points and the weak points? We have to have an unbiased and just evaluation, free of individuals per se. What methods were used? Economic growth was finally achieved in this country, and political growth. Where did the defects, weaknesses, and strengths lie? This must become a blueprint for succeeding groups; if we don’t recognize our strengths and weaknesses now, we will not be able to address them in a constructive way. The second indispensable point is to recognize the characteristics of an Islamic state. You might ask “has our government been an anti-Islamic one so far?” And the answer is “no,” it has neither been anti-Islamic nor pseudo-Islamic. But what we mean by an Islamic state is a state where the first and most important priority is the implementation of Islamic doctrines, one that is governed by the laws and principles of Islam. This is different from a government that governs according to its own agenda and preferences. I want to cite for you some of the characteristics of an Islamic state.
My fellow friends, an Islamic state has within it the following properties: first, it believes in the completeness of Islam. In other words, an Islamic state believes that Islam is a universal religion that provides an answer for all the immediate needs of humanity. It can provide an intelligent answer, an updated answer. Islam can guarantee the well-being of human beings. An Islamic state believes that salvation comes only through obedience of the laws and teachings of Islam. It makes the teachings of Islam widespread throughout the world. Let me give you some examples: Our enemies try to depict a violent and dry image of us, saying that we are incompetent and fertile. We must break this trend, and introduce ourselves to the world. What do we mean by implementing Islam? Example: Our financial institutions must strive to comply by Islamic rules. Why? The answer is plain and simple: The teachings of Islam seek the prosperity of human beings. Islam says that interest rates of 24 percent, 28 percent, or 30 percent, although at times justifiable by the law, cannot create a healthy society; its repercussions will linger on for some time. Let me ask you this: Among our nomadic tribes in remoter areas, which can say that they have benefited from 24 percent interest rates? Who are the people who can benefit from taking out extravagant loans? Does the average Iranian benefit from that? No. It is the prerogative of only a few, and this means that only a few are left to take advantage of opportunities. And do those few people who are given these enormous sums of money use it to up production, create employment, and contribute to economic growth? How is something like this achievable? What kind of production could have a return of 40 to 50 percent, 30 percent of which must be paid back to the bank, another portion of it goes to pay taxes, and finally there is some left to feed the family? It is not feasible. Then it is only natural to expect that such amounts will ultimately end up in stock markets and other unhealthy businesses. Now let’s return to [the principles of] Islam, and ask them to lower them [interest rates]. But as soon as we make such a proposal, they are quick to respond that the people who own savings in their banks will be hurt by it. This is not the right thing to say. Now you religious leaders can figure out the religiosity of it, but I look at their consequences. According to government statistics 3 percent of the people own more than 80 percent of financial assets in the country. And lately private banks have opened too. How can a bank turn 15 billion Tomans into 200 billion Tomans in only four years other than by charging high interest rates that fleece the working man? When opportunities open up to only a few who benefit from it by investing in stocks and bonds, then evidently social divisions and social classes emerge. By returning to Islam these problems can be solved. The Islamic state seeks to execute Islamic laws. It does not seek to imitate models made by others. The economic/political capitalist model cannot bring prosperity to our nation. It cannot take us to completion.
The second characteristic of an Islamic state is seeking justice. Bringing justice to all is the guiding line of the Islamic state. Some feel that justice is just a name, or a slogan that you can attach to something and call it just. When we tell them that their programs and ambitions only create peaks of wealth and troughs of poverty, and where the justice in all this is, they respond by saying “let us build a country first and then we’ll make it a just country”. But how is that possible? Justice is the spirit that should govern all government actions. If you have created an unbalanced system, then you won’t be able to undo it. How can you reverse directions after the peaks have been built and you find yourself paralyzed between them? It [the oligarchy] takes control of the media, the factions, the speakers; it even exerts its influence in politics and stands against you. We have all witnessed in the past years that every time they tried to bring to justice those who pocketed millions for themselves, the government was the one standing on their side. Elements within the government have defended them. When you let those peaks take shape, how can you then rid yourself of them so easily? My dear friends, without justice, we will not have any liberty. Without justice we cannot have our independence. Nor can we guarantee our wellbeing. Without justice there will be no possibility for stable and continuing progress. Let me give you an example of injustice. We must get to the root of injustice, and this can be tracked down to some of our officials or to the planning or their programs. Let me elucidate: the city of Tehran has a population of 7.5 million. The country as a whole has a population of about 70 million. So Tehran holds about 11 percent of our population. Now pay attention to these numbers and you’ll see how our decision-making should be determined by our quest for justice. Pay attention please, this is a report by the Central Bank: more than 60 percent of economic activity throughout the country takes place in Tehran. This means that only 40 percent of economic activity lies in the hands of 89 percent of our people. In other words, the more we move in that direction, the wider the gap becomes. So it shouldn’t surprise us that our country sides and remoter areas have not had a considerable growth. Now the second question: Does the 60 percent of economic activity affect everyone in Tehran? No, I’ve mentioned this before. Does this economic activity lead to production and job creation for all the inhabitants of Tehran? Again, the answer is no. They say we had 8.5 percent growth last year, which isn’t far-fetched. But this doesn’t mean that all of this was translated into production and put bread on the table of the everyday Iranian. Let me show you where the problem lies by giving you another example: Let’s say someone comes to Tehran to buy land and gets the permission to build a house. He spends at least 500 thousand Tomans for each square meter. But he sells it almost immediately for 2 million per square meter. Does the 1.5 million in profit translate into production or job creation? No. Although it does show up in GDP growth, it does not affect the quality of life. There are plenty of other examples, but what I’m trying to say is that there is a more equitable way to do this. The root cause of the problem lies in the excessive concentration of both our software and hardware resources in Tehran. More than 1500 companies and governmental organizations that have no business in Tehran are located there anyway. Their business should be in other regions and cities. But instead they are catching flies in Tehran, thereby imposing a financial burden on the rest of the people. First of all, they have purchased the most expensive buildings and infrastructure in Tehran, worth millions. So here’s one cost; why would they buy such an asset and make it inaccessible to everyone else. And then they start opening offices here and there, but that’s still not the end of it; from Tehran, they want to govern Bushehr (another city), so they constantly commute back and forth, which is costly. With all these high expectations, of course productivity is going down. Low productivity is just part of the problem. By staying in Tehran, these people attract other technicians, specialists, and advisors from the rest of the country into Tehran where they will need housing and accommodations. Go to the country sides, sell your building here worth 50 million, buy one over there for 5, and spend the rest of it on the youth. Our problem is not lack of money, but the inequitable distribution of it. If they don’t want to go, then send other ones. If the people in those regions are deprived and poor, then go and live among them and help them. If they aren’t poor and deprived, then just go there and enjoy their company. Unfortunately, we have been facing a new phenomenon in this country, called the “flying CEOs”. In every airplane, there are at least a dozen of them. As if the people living in other regions of this country were from another country. They are Iranians just as we are, so go and create opportunities for them, and if you can’t we’ll find someone else. 70 million people certainly don’t need to depend on a few to provide for them. The concentration of software means the centralization of decision-making. True, some decision-making should be centralized, such as political, economic, and legislative decisions involving the country as a whole. But who said that every itty-bitty decision should be made in Tehran. 4 individuals sitting in an office from a ministry in Tehran want to plan the 4 billion Toman budget of another state. How can this money be spent? And that’s when oversight-related difficulties emerge. Both Tehran and the rest of the country have been entangled by this. And this is just one example of injustice. A lot of the executive power could be handed over to the states and governed locally. Martyr Rajaii, the icon of Godly virtues, whose life was filled with accomplishments, did that exact same thing; he distributed power locally. He even created local banks, arguing that the communities and their leaders know better what their needs are and how to improve them. He allocated daily oil revenue among the states. And he also took the federal government into the states, telling them to live inside the communities to better understand their needs. I’m sorry to say that last year a report showed that even our governors are now flying around, as if their states were not part of the Islamic Republic to begin with. Well, return to your regions, and see how justice can contribute to progress and economic growth.
Another characteristic of the Islamic state is religious popularity. This is a very important notion; some thought that when our Supreme Leader Ali Khomeini mentioned religious popularity he was trying to say, as others have, that everything the Europeans and Americans have we have it also. But that’s not what he meant. Religious popularity is one of the standing pillars of the Islamic state. Such a state has two elements: the people, and the Imam [religious leader]. Both carry the burden of the entire nation. Without the presence, interference, cooperation, and oversight of the people, there is no Islamic state. If you think that by imposing a [Islamic] leader, the problem of Islam will be solved, you are mistaken. Every single individual should have the responsibility of following Islamic doctrines, of promoting growth and defending the country. The Islamic state gives each one of you that opportunity. Its programs are so as to give everyone the understanding that he/she is part of it and that it is their right to engage in it. If there is corruption, the government is responsible, the judiciary must cut off their hands (metaphorically), but for this to happen popular oversight is a precondition. When Islam says that everyone should be held responsible, that everyone should engage in “righting the wrong”, it did not exaggerate. These are commandments. But when the government itself steps away from such teachings, people’s incentive to participate and be active is mitigated as well. It is the people who build the country and its economy, not a group of bankers and financiers. Justice, for that matter, is also brought about by the people; the government only provides the means for achieving this goal. From the perspective of religious popularity, the people are the true rulers of the country. The leaders of this country, as our Supreme Leader has said, are the servants of the nation. When we walk away from Islam the nature of our relation to the people changes. Officials end up pocketing millions in salaries, millions in benefits, for having done nothing, and when they meet the people they act as if they [the people] were indebted to them. Religious popularity means the people must be constructive in designing the future of the country. Our programs must draw them one by one into being active participants. Let me give you an example of what happens when such motivations fade away as opposed to when they are invigorated. Why did the Revolution succeed? Because we all saw ourselves and each other as responsible citizens instead of asking for guidance from our neighbors. The Revolution was “our” revolution, and that’s how it succeeded, the same way we won the Iran-Iraq war; through individual responsibility. Can anyone claim that we won the war solely by relying on our military strength? It was the people and their active participation in the war effort that caused us to win.
Let me enumerate a few other characteristics of the Islamic state and leave the rest for another time. The Islamic state preserves the sanctity of the treasury; it considers the treasury to be one of the most precious pearls entrusted to them by the people. It doesn’t tamper with it. I recently read an article about an official arrested for using 300 million of public money to decorate his house. Whose money is this? Some believe they can hide their weaknesses behind ornaments. They believe ornaments bring you prestige. When our leaders behave this way, naive people will follow suit. We cannot hide ourselves from them. I am always intrigued by people who come and see me and ask for five minutes of their time, insisting that we go to my office to talk. I would always ask in disbelief if perhaps they thought that my authority was behind my desk instead of with me. I told them that I usually carry it with me, and that if they have a problem they should address it right here. I am disgusted to see that the people who adorn themselves in gold and silver do it “to preserve the image of the state.” The image of the state will be preserved when there is equality and justice for all, when all the people live in comfort and harmony, when there’s growth for all. A few days ago I was attacked from all sides after I asked why some [leaders] live in palaces. Didn’t our Imam [Khomeini] have prestige? The fact is that the miser and poverty of Muslims started when our leaders moved to palaces. And they do this for the sake of image and prestige. What part of our religion says that? Or is this perhaps the people’s will? Keep the sanctity of our treasury, and there won’t be any shortages of either money or means. You saw what happens when our leadership walks away from Islam. I had a meeting with some officials a while ago. At the end of the meeting some of us stayed for a little chit-chat. One of them had almost the entire wealth of the country in his hands. I asked him how things are, and he said “not so well”. I asked why, and he said that’s just the way things are, and that nothing can be done unless people take it easy. I asked why it is the people who have to take it easy. Have they asked for too much? Have they trampled on someone else’s rights? All they are saying is they want to be independent, governed by the laws of Islam, to impose their will on no one and have no one impose their will on them. What exactly should the people take easy? Their freedom? Their Independence? He responded by saying that people have given up, and that they are tired and have lost patience. I turned to him and said: “You are the one who has lost his strength and his will. You’ve built your own ship and you don’t swim with the people anymore. You’re the one who’s lost it, not the people. The people are not tired of Islam or their government; they are tired of you. And you represent neither Islam nor the government. Unfortunately, some subscribe their weaknesses and incompetence to the people and the government. Thanks to God Almighty, our nation is stronger than ever, our government is stronger than ever, and our religion is dearer than ever to us. If there are problems, they are caused by those who have been cut off from the people and Islam. Let’s return to those values and we’ll see what a paradise we can make of this country. My last word is: My dear friends, I strongly and adamantly believe despite all the difficulties and predicaments facing our nation, that the Islamic Revolution and our people will put all of it behind them and create a sophisticated and modern Islamic society in this holy land of ours. | 2 | 89 |
Speech by Evo Morales in El Chapare, Bolivia, when election results were announced. Found on website: http://www.renacerbol.com.ar/ed106/noticias_de_bolivia04.htm The new history of Bolivia begins, where equality, justice, equity, peace with social justice are sought. We are committed to that change that the Bolivian people expect. We realized that in the cities we are not alone either, not everyone despises and hates the peasant movements. That is why this is the great triumph of the living people who seek change in our country. The people should purge the members of the National Electoral Court. I say this before international organizations such as the OAS and other observers because it has been shown that it has been handled illegally, from the CNE. Some members of the CNE have committed a crime against democracy. Despite this situation, the organized, united people demonstrated that the neoliberals and their members who are concentrated in the CNE can be defeated. As a people who fight for their country we have the responsibility to change our history and if with this result at the polls the change that the people seek has been felt, we must respect, as we said at some point, the voice of the people because it is the voice of Godand the voice of God is that of the people. The original indigenous movement is not exclusive, it is inclusive. With our government, the discrimination, xenophobia, hatred, and contempt to which we have historically been subjected will end. We will go to live together in the so-called unity in diversity, changing the neoliberal model and ending the colonial state. The MAS will never extort any businessman who wants to invest in our country. I want to tell the Bolivian peasant movement that before they killed us with bullets and they wanted to kill us with lies, they failed. That dirty war, based on lies, has become a campaign for the MAS, for the social movement and for Evo Morales. We are not of the culture of lies and of the dirty war. Lies are fought with the truth and these are the results. That is our experience in this electoral struggle and with this strength we will continue to move on to the other responsibility of leading the country. Bolivia is not unviable as they try to make it out to be. Fortunately, we are not alone in Bolivia or internationally, we have a lot of support from other governments. So far we have had calls from two Latin American presidents, fromrepresentatives of ambassadors and foreign ministries. That is the strength of the MAS and the Bolivian people. I thank my friends at Unitel for campaigning for me, a dirty war. Some media continue to demonize us. We want to tell you that yes, the MAS guarantees governability not only with social movements, it guarantees governability with parliamentarians from other parties who feel and want change, here it is not marginalized. If there are parliamentarians who want to join for change, welcome. The best way to guarantee governability is through social movements but also with the international community; I think that's our best strength. Fortunately, we are in other times of change, in a third millennium, of the peoples, of the people and not of the empire. Comrades, we were not wrong in choosing the candidate for vice president, Alvaro García Linera, his personality was also very demonized during the campaign, for some media, such as Unitel. When he was not a candidate he was a great commentator, a political scientist, when he has been a candidate: a terrorist. Let's learn from this campaign, when you really set your mind, well, you win. Our social movements have really given a line to change our history, from the compañeros of Cobija to Tarija, from Puerto Suárez to Tiawanacu, thank you very much to all of themfor support and strength. We are just starting and we are going to move forward to change our history. Some colleagues informed me that we broke the record. But we are not leading the country to the runner-up in corruption, we are breaking records with healthy and honest voting and we hope that it will be the Latin American example. We need allies, social movements, politicians united around Latin America to rebuild what other comrades of the Tawantinsuyu, or what Simón Bolívar said, the great homeland, we have the obligation to build that great homeland throughout Latin America. Tell the Aymaras, Quechuas, Chiquitanos and Guaraníes, we are presidents, we are going to be presidents. Tell businessmen, professionals, artists, intellectuals, don't abandon us. It is no longer a problem of winning but of governing. To rule Bolivia by obeying the Bolivian people. Some mayors, councilors, parliamentarians who are finishing their term, I am very sorry, and I want to express that of some senators, deputies who did not participate in the campaign I feel used. How good it would be if they were consistent, because the MAS is not only for the position but for change. In the next few days we are going to organize ourselves to demonstrate how it is governed and I really have wishes that based on theCosmic law of our ancestors 'Ama Sua, Ama Llulla, and Ama Khella' Let us teach those who stole from the country to govern." Previous Note | 2 | 110 |
Choose the future. Choose each other. Speech by Prime Minister J.P. Balkenende to the CDA congress, Amsterdam, 30 September 2006 Thank you for your support and trust. I would like to be your party leader. Only 53 days until the elections. 53 days of fierce debates and hard work. And it doesn't stop there. That also means four years after that. (..) This work demands a lot from me, but above all from Bianca and Amelie. Without them, I can't do this work. They are the ones who especially deserve the applause. In addition, I can't do it without you. Without the support of the party. All those volunteers who will man the stands again in the coming weeks, hand out the leaflets and stick the posters. The people too, who enter into discussions on the street to convince people of the CDA. I am proud of you. I am proud of the Netherlands. --- Do you remember? That tsunami, that terrible tidal wave that caused so much misery in Asia on Boxing Day 2004? They are images that are burned into memory. Horrible, so much misery, sadness and destruction. But it did something that I am proud of to this day: it set the Netherlandsin motion. A massive, heartwarming fundraising campaign was launched. To help the affected people on the other side of the world out of need. 1 In one fell swoop, we, the Dutch, made it clear that our hearts were in the right place. That was a special moment. In the midst of all the gloom, we showed that things could be done differently. Just before the tsunami, Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered, a wave of arson and threats swept across the country. The social climate had hardened after the harsh actions in the autumn, economic problems were piling up and terrorism was constantly threatening. An image of a divided Netherlands. We showed that things could be done differently. We showed that together we could achieve a lot, a lot - that together we are capable of a lot. Something of that old self-confidence broke through. A boost in an even more gloomy time. -- Fortunately, in 2006, the Netherlands is doing much better on a broad front. It says something about our resilience, our perseverance and our vitality that we have managed to free ourselves from that cramp. That we, just like after the horrific tsunami,have shown how far we can get together. Our country is in good shape again. We have worked that as a government. We have done what we promised. Set goals have been achieved. For example, in the field of safety. (Donner) 2 -- What makes me doubly proud of the results is that we did it together. It is not the merit of 'The Hague' alone, we have enforced the result together. Collectively, as the Netherlands, we have pulled ourselves out of the swamp. Together we tightened our belts for a few years in a row. Together we have moderated wages and thus helped thousands of people back to work. Together, together with the police, we have made the country safer again. . Together, municipal councils, together with people in neighborhoods and districts, have worked on decency on the street. Together, people in education, volunteer work, and healthcare have shown how important respect is. But we are not done yet. Prosperity now is not yet guaranteed prosperity for the future. We created chances, but we still have to capitalize on them. I think we should safeguard today's certainties for the future as well. Both forold as for young. And respect is not a given, but constantly requires interpretation, deepening and broadening. New challenges and problems keep popping up that require answers. And opportunities arise that require guts, vision and perseverance. That is exactly what it is about on November 22 - about the future of the Netherlands. What kind of Netherlands do we want? How do we view our country, our future? 3 I know what I want. • I want a respectful Netherlands in which there is room for everyone. Regardless of where you come from, what you believe and what you are. Where people treat each other decently. Where respect sets the tone. Where people take each other into account. • I want a prosperous Netherlands that is brimming with vitality and dynamism. Where entrepreneurial spirit is rewarded. Where everyone rolls up their sleeves and where talents are used. Where it buzzes with innovation and the urge to renew. Where people stand on their own two feet as much as possible. • I want a Netherlands that offers security, a country in which people who need it can count on solid support and assistance, where children can grow up safely, where there is care for the sick and disabled, where the elderly can be sure of thepension. • I want a Netherlands that looks beyond the dikes. That is open to the world. That also seizes international opportunities and takes responsibility. I also want to make the clear choices to achieve that. A clear choice for a social internship. A clear choice for compulsory language lessons. A clear choice for the freedom of choice of the family. A clear choice for more people to work longer. A clear choice for certainty about your own home and state pension. A clear choice for less government and more entrepreneurship. But that is not enough. Politicians do not realize this alone. Choosing for the future is mainly choosing for each other. Therefore, Choose for the future. Choose each other. 4 We have faith in the Netherlands because we have faith in people. Trust in the teacher who knows how to transfer knowledge and control a class. Trust in the nurse who prefers to pay attention to people rather than fill in forms. Trust in entrepreneurs who know how to strengthen growth and how young people can best learn a trade. Trust in volunteers and informal caregivers who can assess personal emotions and needs that can never be captured in policy.I don't believe in a government that says it can solve all problems itself. Nor in politicians who give the impression that this is possible in a coffee house. I believe in a society in which people are jointly responsible. The people in this room. The people at home in front of the TV. All Dutch people. Whether they were born here or not. How else do you solve the loneliness of an octogenarian without a family who no longer walks to the store so easily and also finds it scary on the street? How do you help the boy who can't get a job due to a lack of a diploma and seeks comfort in alcohol and drugs? How do you prevent a father from taking revenge on the gym owner who corrected his children? Respect, attention and responsibility are not things that can only be enforced by laws or regulations. While that engaged society is exactly what we all want most. 5 We will shape that future together. Living together is indeed not something you do alone. -- And yet that is too often the case. We often know more about the situation in the world than about things that are in our ownenvironment. We are looking for contact via the internet, while the fence in the backyard neatly 'gives us our privacy'. We judge other cultures without having entered into a conversation. -- My dream is that things can be done differently. That we sit together at the tables, like Martin Luther King dreamed. -- That dream can be realized. In fact, it happens! For example, it is now becoming a reality in many places during the Ramadan weeks. It is the Muslims who invite us to their Iftar meals. An outstretched hand. This is an example, but fortunately there are many more. It is the people who make the difference. Like Mr. Tehari with his fish shop in Rotterdam. Like Major Bosshardt from Amsterdam. 6 Like Rose of the Mass (s) election. Like Louis van Gaal in his support for children with disabilities. I had the privilege of meeting and talking to them. They - and with them so many others - are the reason I am proud of the Netherlands. They give me the inspiration to stick my neck out for the choices that are necessary for the best preconditions for their work. They make me happy to be your party leader and the prime minister of thisfor the next four years. -- Sometimes I dream a little of the Golden Age. The century in which the small Netherlands worked its way to the top on its own. The century in which trade and industry flourished, where it sailed the seas, where it also stood its ground across the border. The century of Michiel de Ruyter and of Rembrandt No, I don't idealize the past. But despite all the shortcomings of our forefathers, our national history is inspiring. It shows what a small country can be great at. That resilience, that dynamism has not been lost. Provided we work on it together. Provided we don't shy away at the slightest thing. Provided we don't stop at nice talk. We don't get it for free. Don't let anyone tell you. Not even in the heat of the election campaign. 7 Don't let anyone tell you that he or she will fix it. No, we will have to do it ourselves. Joint. As Dutch. I am not giving you golden mountains. I am not making any big promises to you either. I have come to ask you something - to work for the Netherlands of the future. And with as much dedication, togetherness and self-confidence asin the past it will also work. I want to dedicate myself fully to that. Right away.. and in the next four years. Yes, the elections are going to be exciting. But it will work. Because we want to choose the future Because we want to choose each other. Because we are proud of the Netherlands! | 0 | 31 |
Speech Given at National Press Club
May 16th
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much, Sabra. Can I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal People, elders, past, present and emerging, can I also acknowledge any serving men and women in our Defence forces, or any veterans who are in the room and simply say to you, thank you for your service. I'm very pleased to be here today. This is an important tradition and part of our electoral process here in Australia. That the leaders of both parties, major parties going into an Election present themselves before the National Press Club. It's part of the process, it's part of what Australians, I think, expect; for our leaders to come and submit themselves to our dear friends in the media here in Canberra before the election. It's about accountability. It's about submitting yourself to scrutiny. It's about showing respect for the electoral process and the decision that Australians will make importantly this weekend.
Election campaigns are not coronation tours as some seem to think they are. There’s an event happening somewhere else today, elsewhere in the country, in Sydney where I understand that is much more the tone of that event. Very much focused on a self-congratulatory process in a party hoopla-style event. That’s not what's happening here today. What's happening here today, is part of the discipline of our electoral process in this country; fronting up to take the questions which I'm pleased to do.
I understand, my advice is that it's been a long time since Leader of the Opposition has not presented themselves here for such an address. You’ve got to go back to John Hewson in 1993.
Anyway, that said I'm pleased to be here and happy to have the opportunity to share with Australians and to be subject to the questions of the media today. This will be a close election. That is not something I think anyone was writing two months ago, six months ago, eight months ago or even longer. But it is a close election and it will be a close election and that is certainly, I think, the consensus that has emerged particularly in recent days, a fact now realised.
What that means to Australians watching this today is you will decide. Every single vote that is cast on this weekend, this Saturday, will decide who leads our country for the next three years. Who will form government and it will determine not just the three years that are in front of us, but I believe the next decade that Australia will live in, The next decade of the economy that Australians will live in and the choices that they will have. So every Australian, as you are making up your minds in the last few days, as so many more will and even as they walk towards the ballot box on Saturday, they will be making up their minds. Don't let anyone tell you that this election is run and done. Don't let anyone tell you that your vote doesn’t count - because it will. Every single vote will count. You are empowered with this great and important choice.
Australians I think take their elections very seriously and always have. But you know, it doesn't mean that they spend all their waking moments thinking about politics. That's reserved for Canberra, I think. They don't think about this all the time. But that doesn't mean they take this decision less seriously than anyone else. They don't think about it all the time, because frankly they have better things to do with their lives and they expect those who come and form governments and leaders who they elect, to get on and do the job, to get about it.
And they go back to what they get about; their daily lives. Raising their families, run their businesses, go to work, save to buy a home, buy a home, study to secure a better future for themselves, save for their retirement so they can be independent and have choices, care for perhaps a disabled child or an elderly parent, or indeed your partner, over the course of your entire life and it’s now your job - your loving job - to be providing care to your partner in your closing years. To enjoy life by spending it with friends and family. To volunteer at local sports clubs or at the local surf lifesaving club or the Rural Fire Service or the emergency services, being part of the community. These are the honest, decent, humble aspirations of Australians going about their lives. That's what they are focused on. That's what matters to them.
They have no time for shouty debates in politics. They have no time for Twitter trolling, sit-in protests, sit-in protests or any of these other forms of political activity. They’re too busy doing the things that matter most to them and frankly build our country and make it stronger every single day. They are Australians going quietly about their lives, planning and steadfastly pursuing their own goals for their own futures.
Over the course of this campaign, well before and over my entire political and public life and indeed before that, I’ve had the great privilege of meeting with Australians right around the country and listening carefully with them. Those who have just bought their home or saving for it, small business owners and the smile on their face as they tell me about the young apprentice who is just about to complete that four and a half year apprenticeship. How they have helped change that young person's life. Another family who has started a family business, one that's been running it for 30 years and is passing it on to their next generation. Or in farms hit by floods, farms hit by drought, just carefully listening to them. Australians who are retiring from a lifetime of hard work, having paid taxes and are now looking forward to pursuing their retirement together with their loved ones.
You know, I think Australia is made stronger, by Australians. It's Australians that are the source of our strength. It’s them pursuing their own aspirations that makes our country strong. The lives they wish to lead, the families they form, the homes that they make, the businesses they start and run, the savings they put aside, the communities they build, the legacy they leave. That is what makes Australia stronger, more resilient, safer, more secure. Australians being Australians.
I believe that this election is not so much at all about Australians deciding which side they’re going to be on, Liberal, Labor and the many other myriad choices there are, it's got nothing to do with that. They’re trying to work out; ‘Which one of these are on my side?’ That's the question they’re asking. It's not about joining the blue team or the red team. It's about asking; ‘Which of those teams is actually for me and focused on me and what I want for my family and what I'm trying to achieve? Do they think I'm the answer or do they think they are?’ I believe that's what Australians are doing as we go across this election.
So, I see my job in this campaign as Prime Minister leading a Liberal and National Government, it’s not to convince Australians to join my side, but to demonstrate to them each and every day I have the privilege to serve, that our Government and our policies are firmly on theirs.
I believe Australians have also become far more discerning, even more discerning in making these choices. Far more realistic too, when forming judgements about who really is on their side. They quickly see through I think today, tired old claims that if the government could just spend more of your money, they could solve all of your problems. They've seen that before and they've seen where it ends. They know they end up paying for it and paying for it and paying for it.
So as we go into this election, I think Australians are not looking for big-spending, big-taxing programmes directed up as vision. That's no vision.
What they’re looking for is something that's real, something that's credible, something that's achievable and is being achieved. Something they know they can afford - not the bill they can't afford - something that they know they can rely on and someone they know they can really trust.
At this election, my proposal is actually quite straightforward. I have been making it each and every day. I believe that Australians are the answer to meeting the challenges that we face as a nation. I believe Australians are the answer to securing our future prosperity and the opportunities that are there in front of us.
I believe they are. Our Government believes that Australians are the source of a stronger economy and a stronger society and a safer nation. We choose - our government - your aspirations, we choose the life, the job, the future you see for yourself in your town, in your home, in your suburb, in your family. We don't see our Government as the centre of your world, we see you as the centre of our world, as a government, putting your aspirations and what you want to achieve at the top of our list.
See, there will be a bit of talk today about; ‘it's time’. Well, let me tell you what it's time for, let me tell you what it’s really time for today. It’s time to create 1.25 million new jobs and that's what our economic plan outlines. It’s time to see 250,000 more small and family businesses created in this country, creating prosperity and opportunities for people right across our country. It’s time to see 250,000 young people over the next five years go and get a job, and get that job because of the economy that they are living in and the choices they have and the support of programmes. Whether it’s support for 80,000 new apprentices to get that training or to ensure that the businesses they will go and work for will be there and they’ll be thriving. Not just in our big cities but right across the country whether it’s out there in Wangaratta where I was yesterday or up in Gladstone or over in Perth, in Kununurra, down in the suburbs of Adelaide or indeed with ‘J-Rod’ over there just out of Launceston. Quite a character, I hope you get the chance to meet him, I certainly enjoyed meeting him. He’s a great guy.
So creating 1.25 million jobs is what it’s time for. That’s what our economic plan has being delivering and what it will continue to deliver. 1.3 million jobs already created. I won’t go through all the statistics today because you’ve heard them, 100,000 jobs for young people that we created in just one year. That’s what it’s time for. It’s time for a stronger economy to continue, it’s also time to maintain and achieve those Budget surpluses that pay down the debt. From a Government that knows how to do that job and has proved itself to do that job. The Budget comes back into surplus for the first time next year in twelve years. Not by accident, not by chance, but by a Government that knows how to keep its expenditure under control and it’s taxes, to support a stronger economy. To ensure that Australians are taken off welfare and put into work. That’s what is balancing the Budget. Not higher taxes.
What is balancing the Budget, is the hard work of Australians each and every day, being supported and enabled and facilitated by a Government that understands that it’s a stronger economy that makes Australia stronger, not government taking all of your money and pretending to have all the answers.
It’s time to continue to deliver the tax relief that Australians deserve. Not just the tax relief that we have already legislated, but the tax relief that we will legislate if elected this Saturday and we recall the Parliament and we pass those laws, to provide further tax relief for families and small and family businesses into the future. Tax relief that enables Australians. You know tax can sometimes be a pretty dry topic, it’s not one that is often talked about in the pubs and clubs of Australia - except when it comes time to pay it. If someone is asking you to pay more, that’s for sure. But let me tell you why tax is such an important issues to define the difference between the alternatives at this election.
If you think that Australians are really the answer to the questions being posed to our country at the moment then you ensure that they keep more of what they earn. If you really think that.
If you don’t you think the government should have more of what they earn. Because you think that the government is the answer to the problem, not Australians themselves.
See for me taxation is a key litmus test of what you really think about the capacity and ability of the Australian people. If Australians have the opportunity to have the choice about where they’re investing their hard-won money - in their families, in their futures, in their plans - if you really believe that you’ll let them keep more of it.
If you don’t, you’ll take more of it off them. That’s the difference between Bill Shorten and I at this election. I’m saying I want all Australians to keep more of what they earn. Not just some, I want all Australians to keep more of what they earn, because I believe that they’re the answer to a stronger economy in this country. I believe that if you give them that go, then they’ll have a go and they’ll get a go and Australia will be stronger as a result.
I believe that now is the time to guarantee that increased funding for essential services, hospitals, schools and roads as we have been doing to record levels. Hospitals up 60 per cent. Public schools up 60 per cent. Medicare at record levels. 2,000 medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. A strong track record of delivering on the essential services. Building the East West Link, building the Fast Rail from Melbourne to Geelong. Building the Melbourne Airport link realising one of the biggest projects of infrastructure this country has seen, the Western Sydney International Nancy Bird Walton Airport and the rail and road infrastructure that supports it and makes a reality. Realising the interconnector between Tasmania and the mainland in Victoria, the Marinus Link. Advancing the Battery of the Nation, and the Snowy 2.0 project. All of this is what we’ve achieved in guaranteeing the essentials that Australians rely on. It’s time to do all of that. That’s what we are going to do. It’s time also to keep Australians safe and our borders secure as our Government always has and Liberals and Nationals can always be trusted to do.
But I can tell you what it’s not the time to do; now is not the time for a weaker economy. Now is not the time for policies and an experiment that puts our economy under unnecessary pressure when we’re facing the challenges that we’re facing.
Over the last five and a half years or Government has had to deal with one of the most significant impacts on our economy that we've seen as a nation. One of the biggest tests to our AAA credit rating and indeed, our economic growth and the record levels of growth we have seen now in our 28th year. That was the fall-off in investment after the mining investment boom that took $80 billion out of our economy. We grew through it. Because we were backing in small and family businesses and Australians, to get on with what they were doing each and every day, putting investments in place through the instant asset write-off, making sure that they knew when they put in, they would be able to take out and then put in again.
So now is not the time, with trade tensions between China and the United States. Now is not the time when there is uncertainty in the security environment. Now is certainly not the time to do things that will weaken our economy.
A key part of that is, now is not the time to impose $387 billion of a higher tax burden on our economy, weighing it down, holding it down, holding it back, impacting on every single Australian. Every single one of the 25 million and more Australians there are today around the country. 1 million Australians specifically impacted by their retiree tax, which will withdraw the company tax already paid and extended as a credit to every single shareholder in this country. But not some, according to the Labor Party under their policy. No, they’ll be denied that. Everyone else can get it, the same credit from the tax paid by the company that flows through to every single shareholder in this country, but not for some. Not for a million Australians for whom Bill Shorten will deny that to. He’ll take it. Like Rosalie over there living in Ken Wyatt’s electorate of Hasluck, who I saw the other day when I visited Perth; $1,800 out of her $30,000 income. No refund for her, no credit for her. She invested in that company, like every other shareholder, but no credit for her. That's her private health insurance. It's people's money to go and say their grandkids, to pay their electricity bill. This is their money. They've paid taxes all their lives.
Now is not the time to go and hit Rosalie. Now is not the time to hit a million Australians whose sin, according to Chris Bowen and Bill Shorten, is they’ve gone and invested in an Australian company. Planned for their future and set themselves up for retirement.
Now is not the time for a housing tax that will undermine the value of your home, or put up your rent. Those are the two things that will happen as a result of Labor's housing tax changes. Rents will be higher than they would otherwise be and your home value, two-thirds of Australians either live in a house that they own outright or they’re paying a mortgage on. Every single one of them, impacted by Labor's housing tax.
Now is not the time to see the biggest asset that you’ve ever invested in with the sweat of your own hard work and effort in your life, to be undermined because of a Labor Party that just simply wants to tax everybody more.
Now is not the time to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission and basically see the ACTU and Sally McManus effectively be the silent shareholder and silent board member, on every board, of every private and public company, in the country.
Now is not the time to bring lawlessness back to our building and construction industry, particularly when we’re proceeding with the biggest investment in infrastructure programmes around the country of some $100 billion. Now is not the time for that.
Now is not the time for invasive new laws that Labor would seek to do, telling farmers what they can and can't do on their land and holding them back.
Now is the time to support those farmers. Now is the time to pass the Drought Fund Bill, which Labor refused to pass when we were last in Parliament. Now is the time to recognise that they need us to stand with them, as I have done, as Michael McCormack has done and as we have done together as a Coalition Government, giving people hope in the most difficult of circumstances.
Now is not the time to put a Labor Party that has never demonstrated their ability to manage money, in charge of a $2 trillion economy, which is what it will be next year.
The one thing I get the biggest head nod about around the country as I’ve moved around is I’ve said to people - particularly among retirees I’ve got to say - I say; ‘Have you ever noticed that people who can't manage money always end up spending more of it? And when they have spent it all, they always end up coming after yours?’ And they all agree. That's what a Labor government would look like.
Labor have never demonstrated they can manage money. They are proposing the biggest spending of a government that we have ever seen in this country. If only their capacity to spend money was as good as their capacity to want to spend money. Their ability to actually spend on programmes effectively means what you have heard, is just the starting price. We know how much bigger that price gets. It goes up and up. Pink Batts, we all remember it, school halls, cash-for-clunkers, border failures.
The bill that you can't afford will just keep rising and rising and rising, because Labor have never proven an ability manage money in this country.
If you can't manage money you can't run the country.
Now is not the time to turn back.
Now is not the time to say to those Australians who have worked so hard to get us where we are today, to have grown through these difficult and hard times, now is not the time to say to those who’ve saved up and bought their first home that apparently; ‘Negative equity is ok’, as Chris Bowen said today. ‘It is Ok for the value of your house to fall as a result of the government's policy - not a problem’.
No, it is. It’s actually a big one, I think. Worked hard for it, saved it for it, Australians have worked hard to get where they are. Now is not the time to say to them they have to turn back on what they have been able to achieve and put at risk what they have already built up. It's certainly not the time to say to them that your opportunities in the future should also be delayed or deferred, because a Labor government has a whole bunch of ideas that they want to spend your money on. Now is not the time.
Now is the time to stop Labor's higher taxed this Saturday, by voting Liberal and voting Nationals.
Now is the time to stop Labor's reckless spending from starting by voting Liberals and Nationals on Saturday.
Now is the time to build our economy together and secure your future, by voting Liberals and Nationals this Saturday.
Now is the time, now is the time to ensure that as we go into this next decade we build the economy you want to live in.
Because it is real. It determines what job you have. It determines your own future, the choices that you have and I want the economy for Australia that enables Australians' aspirations to be realised. From buying your first home, to saving for your retirement, to working hard every day, they are honest, decent aspirations of quiet Australians that I want to back in.
Labor wants to tax them more and that is fundamentally what is going on in this election. That’s why this election is such an important choice about where we are going further and where we're going into the future as a country. So, I'm asking Australians, I'm asking Australians to vote Liberal and Nationals this Saturday. To elect me and not Bill Shorten as your prime minister, so I can continue to get on with the job while you get on with your job. You can trust me to do that. You can trust me too diligently and every day get on with the task and the job that I've outlined at this election campaign and that me and my team are hungry and eager to get on with.
It's been eight months since I have been in this job. It has been an incredible privilege and pleasure.
But I can tell you, I'm just getting started.
The hunger for Australia and achieving the aspirations of Australia, it is burning deep within me. I'm asking Australians to let me get on with the job and let me on this Saturday by voting Liberal and Nationals get on with the job of realising your future.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Source: https://inbox.news/newsroom/press-releases/5786/national-press-club-canberra | 1 | 66 |
http://www.mbeki.org/2016/06/09/statement-on-the-anc-1999-elections-victory-19990603/
Statement on the ANC 1999 Elections Victory – 1999/06/03
Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg, 3 June 1999
The people have spoken!
The people have unequivocally said the ANC leads!
In their millions and without hesitation, the people of South Africa have renewed the mandate of the ANC to govern our country.
The poorest of the poor have said they trust the ANC to help them out of their conditions of misery.
The women of our country have mandated us to continue with the struggle for their upliftment and emancipation.
Our people, both black and white, have mandated us to remain firm in the pursuit of our vision of a nonracial society and the important goal of national reconciliation.
The overwhelming mandate give to us constitutes a people’s directive for us to use the power they given us to defend and entrench the democratic system and the human rights contained in our Constitution and our laws.
In a very clear voice, the people have said that democracy is alive and well in our country.
The people have directed us to move forward faster with our programme for reconstruction and development so that the goal of a better life for all is achieved sooner rather than later.
The masses of our people have mandated us to maintain the peace and stability which democracy and good governance have brought our country.
They have directed us radically to improve the safety and security of all our people, in the urban and rural areas, on the farms and at home, among our women and children.
The people have directed that we should continue with our economic policies, ensuring that, together with the private sector, the economy grows at higher rates, that it creates new jobs, ensuring that it continues to develop into a modern and internationally competitive economy.
The people have given clear orders that we move forward faster to build a non-racial and non-sexist society.
The people of our country have given an unequivocal directive that we must work together for the African Renaissance, for the emergence of the 21st Century as the African Century.
On behalf of the ANC, I pledge to the people of our country, our Continent and the world that we will remain loyal to the directives the people have given and ensure that their will is done.
We are greatly humbled by the trust, confidence and love which the people of our country, both black and white, have shown in and for the ANC.
We were deeply moved by the determination of the people to cast their votes, their willingness to wait in long queues, hungry, cold and tired, deep into the night to exercise their democratic right, to ensure that they voted for the party of their choice.
We are fully conscious of the fact that the magnificent patience of our people was in part, driven by their knowledge that, consistent with its traditions, the ANC would approach the exercise of power without any arrogance, with humility, with a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that, as a people, we act together to build a South Africa which truly belongs to all who live in it, both black and white.
I would like to extend our profound thanks to all our people for the historic contribution they made during this election further to entrench democracy and political tolerance in our country.
I would also like to thank all the parties that participated in the elections for the largely responsible manner in which they conducted themselves during the election campaign.
We congratulate all of them for the successes they have achieved, hoping that they will, themselves, contribute to the common national effort for the reconstruction and development of our country.
I would also like to pay special tribute to all our security forces and the security Ministers and Deputy Ministers for the excellent work they did to ensure that we had a largely peaceful campaign period as well as peaceful elections.
Our country also owes them a debt of gratitude for the assistance they gave the IEC, in the registration and the election process, which helped to ensure that we have free and fair elections.
We would also like to salute the hundreds of thousands of civil servants and other volunteers who gave invaluable assistance to the IEC both to prepare our first common voters; roll and to conduct and manage the elections.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the international observers who have joined us once again, who have helped to ensure that we have free and fair elections.
We trust that they will be able to report to their organisations and countries that democracy is alive and well in South Africa and that we continue to be committed to the principle of international solidarity for the construction of a better world.
All of us are very pleased to convey our heartfelt thanks to the IEC, its Chairperson, Hlope Brigalia Bam and the other Commissioners, the CEO, Prof Mandla Mchunu and the staff of the IEC, for the sterling work they have done for the advancement of the cause of democracy and peace in our country.
We would also like to thank the domestic and international media which has worked hard to report on all elements relating to our second democratic elections.
We trust that nothing we have done has made your work more difficult or, in any way, undermined the independence of the media.
As President of our organisation, the African National Congress, I salute the thousands of our leaders and activists, including Nelson Mandela, the leaders and activists of COSATU, the SACP, SANCO and the rest of the democratic movement, for the great campaign they waged to ensure that we score the historic victory we have.
The masses of our people have renewed our mandate to govern.
The people have spoken!
The ANC will respond as it must; for democracy, peace, progress, prosperity, non-racialism, non-sexism and the rebirth of our Continent.
The time has now come that we go back to work!
Thabo Mbeki
Word count: 995 words | 0 | 38 |
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT NÉSTOR KIRCHNER AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL DEPUTY, RAFAEL BIELSA. 18/10/2005 - Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Dear sisters and brothers, Dear comrades, I want to speak today, if you will allow me, to the men, women and young people of this beloved Federal Capital. I am going to speak to you with real sincerity. This Capital, which is the land of all Argentines, this Capital that just as today is one of the places that most welcomes recovery, was also in the most agonizing moment of the homeland one of the places where despair, lack of credibility and sitting down won all sectors. That is why I want to ask the people of the capital that it is fundamental, just as I do every day self-criticism and try to correct my mistakes, that the men and women of the Federal Capital have memory and just as for so many years they voted unconditionally for De la Rua, they voted for Menem, they voted for Erman Gonzalez, voted for Olivera and that they gave so many years of trust to these people, I ask them from the bottom of my heart not to vote for their descendants and to give usan opportunity for those of us who need to continue taking Argentina forward to transform and change it. (Applause) It is not we who made the "corralito", it is not we who generated that agonizing economic situation for the workers, the Buenos Aires middle class, the pride of all Argentines, and the businessmen who live in the Federal Capital and not even the bankers. Those who plundered the homeland, those who sold Argentina, those who kept the savings of the Argentines, those who broke their faith, it was precisely those people they voted for for so long. That is why I ask you not to repeat the mistake and not to follow the descendants, but to bet on the new and on change, on those of us who are at stake for a homeland for all, for a new Argentina that reemerges with strength, with morale, with determination, with courage, with courage to build the values that our Nation needs. (Applause) Tell me on May 25 and before May 25, 2003 where were some of the candidates who today feel ashamed to show themselves to those who voted. We were there before, we were thirty years ago and we are todayraising the same flags of unity, solidarity and greatness for all Argentines. (Applause) It is up to me as President of the Argentines to defend the interests in the discussion with the different companies. Dear friends – and this is very important because man is worth his actions – we came out and said that we were tired of what had happened to every Argentine with Aguas Argentinas-Suez here in the homeland, of what had happened with the five billion dollars that disappeared, that we were fed up with ambassadors who should help unite two countries to come and attack us in the name of commercial interests that favor to certain companies, and one of the candidates said that if we did what we did to Aguas Argentinas, she would also leave the country. That is the national and popular project, that is the project of all Argentines. She gave in, she lowered her strength, she lowered her thinking, believing that by renouncing ideas the people will vote for her. You have to have courage, you have to defend your ideas and you don't resign by one vote or by two or three! (Applause) All those who in 2003 accompaniedthe 90s, all those who constantly talked about efficiency and continue to do so, those who are bothered when a worker or someone protests because they don't like it or because they need more because they get angry with the government or with such and such and such and do not have the democratic patience to find coexistence and harmony, they believe that a just society can be built by trampling on one another. I believe in the society of love, of understanding, of solving the problems of those who have less, of mobilizing our middle class and of rebuilding our national business community. But we have to remember and have a very good memory. That is why, dear porteños, dear brothers and sisters of the Capital, I sincerely ask every citizen of the capital, every man and woman who lives here, every young person to look back, to read history, to see the changing attitude of some and the consistent attitude of others with principles and interests that have nothing to do with Argentines. Today they hide in masks of talk that the State must be rebuilt when they went to loot it, to auction it off andto take it away; they come with masks that politics must be renewed and they go looking for De La Rúa's officials; they come with masks that we have to recover crystallinity, action with moral treatment in politics and some cannot say what they live on as all of us who are here can say. We have endured the grievance, we have endured the disqualification, we have endured the cunning attack and we will continue to endure it in the name of the homeland, of the Argentines and of those who suffer the most. But it is also important that the truth is known. (Applause) There are some who want us to believe that they do campaigns with one, two coins or three coins. It is disrespectful to the people to make them believe that this is how they move, how they spend, how they dress, how they act and how they decide. I truly tell you from my heart, friends, that it is time to end the hypocrisy. The Federal Capital has to be put at the forefront of the country, the Capital has to be the reference for all Argentines, the Capital has to be the project that channels national reconstruction, the Capital has to dohonor that title of Capital, the porteños have to go and embrace the men and women of the interior, the porteños have to make the point that the homeland needs, the porteños must honor their history and I have no doubt that they will do it. (Applause) I humbly beg you to help me, not to follow me because we already know what step to follow and follow. I am an ordinary man who makes mistakes and gets it right like anyone else; I am an ordinary man who dreams of a better country. I hope that on December 10, 2007, when my term ends, I will be able to tell the Argentine people that we have one digit of unemployment, one digit of indigence and half of poverty, that Argentina continued to grow between 5 and 8 percent, that industry has grown, that employment has grown, that the countryside has grown. that Argentina is strengthened, that our reserves are growing, that the primary fiscal surplus is maintained. (Applause) They told us that Argentina had to be properly managed and the sectors of neoliberalism always did it with a deficit; In the three years that we are going to have government, we had growth with a fiscal surplusprimary, with growth in reserves to almost 26 billion, growth in collection, today industrial activity grew again, from August to September 1.2 and we have 7.4. Porteños, help me to keep this going; Porteños, give me the strength that this country needs. (Applause) It is not a question – and with all respect to the ideas that we have – in the stage that Argentina is experiencing of party divisions, it is a question of knowing who wants to build the Nation and who does not. And in the construction of the Nation, all honest, decent Argentines, the workers, the educators, the researchers who make the country proud because they are the ones who build it, intervene. We have to put an end to the culture of the 90s where the best Argentinian was the most mischievous, the most alive and the most thief. Let's go back to respecting the neighborhood man who works the most, the researcher who researches the most, the student who studies the most, the teacher who teaches best, let's return to the global opening of our culture in all sectors of the country. (Applause) The same people who melted down and plundered the country and the homeland want what was not done in thirty years.years I do it in two days. They demand of me and demand of me, I do what I can and I do it with all my strength, I make mistakes and I try to correct myself with all humility. We have already seen those who said "if we make a mistake, let's continue to lead because it is a political weakness to correct oneself." I am going to correct myself as many times as necessary because every mistake that I do not correct will be paid for by the Argentine people. They will have my permanent humility to do so. (Applause) They don't know how to attack me anymore, they attack me and my family, they "fake" my kid's photo, they want my family to be like the one in the 90s and we are different, we are like all Argentines, normal people who like to live in our family and who like to live with our principles. They attack us in any way and if that works for you, do it, because I am not going to take a step back, but I am going to fight with courage for a new Argentina. You are not going to see this President escaping in a helicopter; there I am, in the Casa Rosada, to defend the interests of the people and to put myself at the head of the Nation. (Applause)We are going to rebuild the national industry, we are going to rebuild state-of-the-art technology, we are going to continue betting strongly on Latin American unity, on exchange between the peoples of America, we are going to continue to embrace peoples like those of Chile, Brazil and Venezuela who work together with us in the construction of a great homeland that contains us all, understanding the lessons of our national heroes: San Martín, Bolívar, Mariano Moreno, Yrigoyen, Perón, Eva Perón. They are setting the course for us and we have to take that path with strength. (Applause) We really want our scientists to be fully exploited in their capacity again. That is why I ask you, boys, friends, that we enter again to talk about the national being, of the homeland, of the Nation, that there is only one flag that contains us all, which is the flag of the homeland, that we enter to feel the cockade, that flag that Belgrano bequeathed to us, that it is possible to make an Argentine homeland, a homeland for all. It is a wish and a request that you accompany me. (Applause) To finish. Citizens of Buenos Aires: I know that you know well what has happened in Argentina, I have always thanked you for your accompaniment,I know that you have in your hands in the Federal Capital the possibility not of unconditional support, but of the critical and constructive support that the deputies who are back here can give me, I know that you know that I cannot do it alone, I know that you know that some of the candidates who are running are going to get in the way because they are desperate to be deputies or senators in any way and they will cling to any interest and interest. others because they definitely represent those interests; you know very well that it is the vote for change or the vote for the same, that it is the vote for the new or it is the vote for the descendants of the past, that it is the vote for the possibility of a Capital that contains all the potential it has to reign and be strong throughout Latin America and in the global guiding homeland of all our provinces or that will be so again in a a small concentrated group that believes that everything is managed with two or three actions or with four media attitudes. (Applause) We want to have the possibility of the Federal Capital accompanying us. I believe that the Federal Capital can find the best ofhis stories, he can have a brave and historic attitude, the latest polls are saying so because Rafael is going ahead in the polls despite the fact that some want to cover him up. We all know that he is two points up. (Applause) Therefore, you will see nervous and hysterical attitudes in this situation. I know that the Federal Capital is going to position itself next to the country as a whole. I ask the people of the capital to accompany me, I will always accompany them, unconditionally, because I love this Capital, this Capital makes me feel proud, this Capital praised in the world makes me feel where I am going as an Argentine who feels proud of the Capital and the capital's residents. But I also know what the people of the capital suffered and I also know, people of the capital, that just as I have to correct myself and criticize myself, each one in his house remember that for many years they voted for De la Rúa, that they voted for Menem, Erman González or Olivera; today do not vote for your descendants, please give me a chance and help this man from the South, this penguin, as some want to disqualify me, to try toto change the homeland. (Applause) Vote for Rafael Bielsa, vote for Marcó Delpont, vote for Elio Vital, vote for Cossia, vote for Piumatto, vote for men committed to a different history. We are humbly asking you for an opportunity, we are asking the people of the capital to have the courage to write the great history, we are asking the people of the capital to take up the pen of Mariano Moreno and to write the great history – now that we are approaching the bicentennial – of this Federal Capital that was the one that began the struggles for the construction of the homeland to help us in the reconstruction of Argentina. (Applause) Capital: no matter how you think, I don't care what party you are from, because I know that you are Argentine and that you love the homeland, come to give us a hand and help me. I extend both to you and I also extend my heart to you, help me to make fewer mistakes, help me to make a different country, come and I receive you and I want you to open your arms to me, I open my heart to you, I open your heart to me, I tell you my dreams, tell me your dreams. Young people from the capital, middle-aged people from the capital and our dear retirees: I have helped them as best I can with eight raises sincethat we started. Remember who were the ones who lowered the salaries of retirees: Menem and De la Rua. How our retirees are going to vote for their descendants! We have already given them eight raises and I hope, because our retirees are our greatest concern, that in a short time, in a few months, I will be able to tell them that I will raise all the retirees to continue reinstating them, to continue vindicating them and to give them the response they deserve. Remember, grandfathers and grandmothers, about who put their hand in your pocket; remember those who said that you had to close the fiscal accounts with your life's work; remember those who said that the debt had to be paid with the sweat of those who had raised the country; Remember, retirees, and help us young kids who took away your right to think, youth, with that transformative capacity too. How can they go after the descendants of those who plundered the country! You, with your transgressive capacity and with the flag raised, take the pioneering courage and put the Capital at the forefront. Sisters and brothers of Capital, thank you very much. For the homeland, for the Argentines, for a new country,with the flag in hand, with plurality, with consensus, enduring the grievance, enduring the insult, always thinking of Argentina! For Argentina, everything! Thank you very much, people of the capital, thank you very much, compañeros and compañeras, thank you very much. To continue rebuilding the homeland and to recover joy and dreams, thank you Capital Federal, and long live the homeland! | 1 | 45 |
Title: SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT AT THE CAMPAIGN LAUNCH RALLY Date: 11-Jan-2006 SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT AT THE CAMPAIGN LAUNCH RALLY Mayor Roberto d'Aubuisson. (Attendance) -Present for the Homeland What a joy to come to greet President Calderón Sol who is with us, thank you very much. What a joy to greet the vice president, to COENA, but what a great joy it is to greet all of you brothers and sisters from Izalco, here in Sonsonate. I have been in the Presidency of the Republic for a year and a half, suddenly it seems to me that I have 5 years in the presidency. It has been an intense work, an enormous work to which the Salvadorans took me mostly on March 21, 2004 and I remember June 1 when at the international fair the presidential sash was imposed on me, that presidential sash reflected the aspirations of all of you and it is won, you gave it to me. We won it by a wide margin (applause) And that presidential sash that they place on a citizen becomes a source of pride to go down in history as President of the Republic of El Salvador. And in this way, the aspirations of a citizenry that wants more education, more health and wants tomore attention from the government. That is why I want to remember that June 1st because I want to ask God for wisdom to continue governing the country with the blessing of the almighty and the support of the Salvadoran population. I would like to remind you of your Salvadoran brothers and sisters who see me on television and listen to me on the radio. On that occasion I said that the only promises that are valid are those that are fulfilled. On that occasion I said that the country would be my office and the whole country was going to be the office and my office was going to be the home of all of you and I have fulfilled that to this day. When you assume the Presidency of the Republic, you assume commitments and the men who fulfill it demonstrate it through their work. Some political analysts were saying that, I'm not going to tell them names because I don't even like to mention them, you know who they are. The thing is that President Saca, they say, has been in power for a year and a half and is popular through pure propaganda, they say. When they say that a President who has more than 70% of popular approval is pure propaganda, they are insulting the intelligence of the people.all the Salvadorans who voted and who continue to support me. The only promises that are valid are those that are fulfilled. Salary increase for 90 thousand public employees thanks to the approved budget, the general budget of the nation, a budget for those who throw stones at me in the way, those who do not want to let me govern, that bearded gentleman, you know, you know who he is, right? The one who found it difficult to accept that I was the President, that gentleman said that they were going to make my life impossible and they are fulfilling their promises because, well, since the assembly the FMLN has dedicated itself to delaying the work of President Saca and that is what we must correct on March 12 when we vote for ARENA. They also said that I was going to privatize health, remember? Today we have the solidarity fund for health, today we have the expansion of health coverage throughout the country and today they are saying and I take advantage of this moment to say that I am going to increase taxes. Listen to me well izalqueños, all Salvadorans AS LONG AS TONY SACA IS PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY, I AM NOT GOING TO INCREASE EITHER VAT OR THE INCOME OFTHIS COUNTRY. There is no tax increase in this country, because ARENA does not believe in that, ARENA believes in a productive country, ARENA believes in a country in which we establish sectoral policies. So let it be clear to you, when they tell you that Saca is going to increase the VAT, false. Tony Saca says it from Izalco, I am not going to increase either VAT or Income during my time as President of the Republic. You remember the coverage of 6-year-old children in Social Security, today up to the age of 12 they take care of their children in social security and we have not increased social security contributions. We also increased coverage in the bloom hospital to 18 years, we are going to build and rebuild 7 hospitals that are in tender nationwide. Here in Sonsonate I have just laid the first stone of the ISSS regional hospital, which will serve all Sonsonatecos, a modern facility to improve insurance facilities. And I want to tell you something else, we have ordered a study so that independent workers are gradually incorporated into the social security system and are cared for by you and your families. In addition, duringthis year and a half, President Saca launched the 2021 plan, we want bilingual education for our children, we want better schools with the "Connect" plan, so that everyone has the opportunity to access computer science in the country and I launched the most ambitious program to combat extreme poverty, which is "Red Solidaria", which has already favored 15 municipalities and in 2006 will favor another 15 municipalities throughout the country. And what about agriculture, improved seed. How many people in this western area received the improved seed, thanks to this government with a human sense that is betting that this continues to be the five-year period of agriculture and you are going to help me make this possible. The improved seed, the cultivation of cotton, the 50 thousand credits of the Agricultural Development Bank, the transformation of the Mortgage Bank into the Bank of small and medium-sized enterprises. Dear brothers and sisters, these are some of the many promises that this government has fulfilled. And when I stand on this platform I have the moral solvency to say to the country, El Salvador I have fulfilled you! President Saca has fulfilled you, what was promised is debt and it is fulfilled!But also on June 1st, when they put the band on me, on June 3rd I invited all the political forces of the country, you remember that they all came. We negotiated the nation's budget and I received it in 2004 7 months late. And after a year and a half in the presidency, thanks to the agreement, dialogue, dedication and openness of this government, we have approved 3 national budgets that allow us to move the country forward and we have assured the increase for public employees, we have secured "Red Solidaria", we have secured investment in social insurance, we have assured investment in the country's agriculture, why?, because President Saca believes in dialogue. We created the dialogue tables and they all came, even those who did not recognize me as President, they came to sit at the presidential house with me, to talk, but they lasted a little while and left. And they know why they left, because they despise dialogue, because the empty chairs they have left in dialogue are still waiting for them. Why am I remembering all these things, because here in Izalco I started the campaign that led me to the firstmagistracy of the nation, here in Izalco I made all the promises that I have fulfilled to the country. And now I come before you with the moral solvency that the fulfillment of promises gives me, with the affection of the people to reiterate several things to you: Number one: I am the same Tony Saca that you elected as President, close, dialoguing, listening, because to know how to govern, you have to know how to listen and that must always be done, I am the same one that you elected, and that President Saca that you elected, that you elected by a historic number of votes, today I come to ask you from the bottom of my heart and I can do it, I come to ask you for your vote so that you give me more deputies because I need to govern with tranquility and fulfill to all Salvadorans the rest of the promises in the government plan "Safe Country" for which you voted in 2004. I would like to remind you that not a single promise or a single measure taken by the president has affected your pockets, none. We made a tax reform and no one had their taxes increased and yet the Treasury has collected more than 300 million dollars intaxes that we are using for the government's social plans. But you are not paying a penny more in VAT, or in rent because the one we have to charge is the one who does not pay, the one who keeps the tax and that is what we are going to continue to persecute, because the tax evader and the tax evader must receive their punishment as established by the tax laws. Brothers, tonight I want to congratulate you for that enormous joy, here there are no smeared faces like in other places. I've seen other events there that make stupid faces and are all angry. Here we sing, here we rejoice because ARENA is joy, ARENA is colorful and that is what I want to ask of all the bases of the party, colorful, joy, enthusiasm to win the elections. I have with me and quickly because the deputies who from this date are going to ask for the vote, I want to explain to them why the Assembly is important. When the nation's budget arrives at the Assembly, you already know the old story that everything is delayed there. Those gentlemen of the FMLN, say NO always and say NO to public employees and say NO to the networksolidarity and say NO to the doctors' ladder and they say NO to the teachers' rank. I need the promise made in Izalco once again, I came here when I started my campaign and today I return to Izalco, I come to ask El Salvador for more deputies in the Assembly, brave and hardworking ARENA deputies, people who are close to their communities and the expression "LET'S MAKE A TEAM", has a very great meaning. Let's make the Salvadoran people's team, deputies, mayors and the president to move the country forward and that can only be done by the Nationalist Republican Alliance. We have already begun to present our legislative proposal, that will be up to our deputies to explain to them. I want to ask you three things, my birthday is on March 9, write it down, how old do you think I am going to be, 41 exactly, I look a little older like this, I have to put up with the FMLN in the assembly and that takes my life, they are jokes. I am going to ask you three things first, no sandbox, no Salvadoran who loves his homeland dearly should be attentive or trusting, the elections are won on March 12 and on that day, March 12, you have to go knock on the door of thethe neighbors, friends and take them to the voting centers and that day at night, the best gift for President Saca is to give me an Assembly that allows me to govern, to GOVERN. ARENA's legislative proposal includes reforms to criminal laws, it includes the economic part, we are going to continue reactivating agriculture, we are going to continue generating employment, we are going to continue getting closer to the people. Brothers of Izalco, tonight, with my heart in my hands, with the emotion of beginning yet another campaign, another democratic exercise of Salvadorans, I ask you to go to the polls on March 12 and give President Saca more deputies, to give President Saca more mayors, because together, mayors, deputies and President Saca we are going to move the country forward and we are going to do better. So brothers, thank you very much for coming, thank you very much for being here, I just want to tell you something, today I ask God to illuminate the path of our mayors and our candidates for deputies, today I ask God to enlighten the minds of all Salvadorans. You know Tony Saca, he is the same one you elected President, a reliable man, through thewho can give him an Assembly that allows him to govern. I am Tony Saca, its president. May God bless you all, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Peace, Progress and Freedom | 0 | 18 |
Name: Benigno Aquino III Speech category: Campaign Date: 25 February 2010 Location: To be determined Title: Benigno Aquino III's people power anniversary speech Brief description: This speech was delivered at the beginning of the campaign period for the 2010 presidential election. My beloved comrades, brothers and compatriots: In the early hours of September 23, 1972, the soldiers arrived and arrested my father. My mother woke us up and told us what had happened. I was only twelve years old. My father was imprisoned even though he was innocent. And that's where our Calvary began. Many believed he would be the next president. But on that day, he was suddenly considered the main enemy of the state, though he was innocent. Our world turned upside down. The people who promised not to leave us rejected us. From the anticipated bright future, the nightmare of martial law began. From grade 1 to 6, I was in the top 10 of my class. Preparing for a bright future. But when martial law came, it seemed impossible to have a future. That makes it hard to try hard as if inA future without hope. My mother was the father and mother of our family. To be with our father, we had to ask permission from the martial law authorities. I was a little boy who could do nothing while trampling on the dignity of my mother and sisters when they underwent strip searches every time they visited our father. My mother and sister were dressed in almost all the clothes. A year before martial law, Mr. Marcos accused my father of any crimes. My father answered: Take me to court. The accuser of my father was Mr. Marcos. The judges of my father are his servants. Their decision was remanded to him for review. It was 1976 and I was 16 years old. The time came for my father to be judged by a military commission. Since the decision was made before the trial began, my father decided to go on hunger strike in protest of injustice. Every day, I see my father's life slowly getting full and depleted. Why did his sacrifice lead to this? Why a man should be innocentto go through this ordeal? In each of the forty days, the hatred and anger that was forming within me grew stronger. You can see why I feel so bad. How many of us can endure and endure in this situation? The trials and dangers we faced were still ongoing, we all faced it. Have you ever tried to spend Christmas and New Year in prison just to be with your loved one innocently? Have they ever experienced their whole family crying on New Year's in a small cell, while the whole world celebrates and enjoys outside? Have they ever had the experience of being Big Brother and Dad to sisters at such a young age? Over time, I was forced to accept — like millions of Filipinos — the lack of rights in all fields. The pain we have suffered, the pain of will, the injustice to the beloved father — that is what has changed my character and character. Sacrifice — for the people. Sacrifice — for standing. sacrifice with a mixture of prayer and hope withGod will correct the wrong in due time. So to those who insult not only me but to the call of time, the answer here is simple: this is our destiny. What they want is for me to abandon — and let us abandon — the example and principles of my parents and the good example set not only to their children, but to the whole community. My father's family was not poor. But he chose to be realistic and abandoned the offer of power and money to lay down his life for our country. I remember the letter my father wrote when he was in prison. My father was fifty years old when he was murdered. I am now 50 years old too. My father said, "The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience. There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands." It's true that my life has not been affected by themother, but her choice of life was to serve the people and lift up the poor — and not her own comfort. They gave our people things that no one else could buy: their sacrifice. Their stance. If someone is oppressed, if someone is being exploited, they stand firm: make them feel and prove that they are not alone. All the hardships we have endured have been reciprocated by the Filipino people with love. Love for my father Ninoy who was murdered without mercy, and millions have expressed sympathy. Love for my mother, Cory, who was prayed for by the people who were in pain, and sympathy when she lay down. In all our sacrifices, in all our tragedies, you have not abandoned us. You have not left us. You made us feel like we weren't alone. I don't think it's just because of the example of Ninoy and Cory. They saw only what the subjugators of power and intimidation did not want to recognize: that the Filipino was decent, dignified, caring and upstanding. We have long patience, but as we endure, there is the knowledge that there is also a day of reckoning, there is also a day for true justice. It did comeThat day on February twenty-five, 1986: This was the opposite of the constant pain that our society went through. People Power restored democracy. The people power has restored our right to choose and elect our leaders. People Power has restored human rights. People Power makes us all high foreheads. We even sang this as the Filipino's offering to the world. We have been inspired by many other countries in Asia and Europe that have also come to People Power to present democracy. So when People Power succeeded we said, according to the song, Our freedom because we have long been aiming for. 'Will not be allowed to recover again. But what has happened since then? In 2000, corruption again prevailed in government. We stood up again and had a second People Power, but what did our incumbent President do? Why do we still witness the exploitation and intimidation of a few as they have tortured millions of Filipinos? Why is it that to this day the question of 'Hello Garci' is still so insistent? Isn't the innocent, in a hurry to prove the accuser wrong? Five years ago, is there not enough? Why allowedthe allies to establish their own kingdoms? Why is it so extreme to use violence not only guns and weapons, but also chainsaw and backhoe? Why does the Maguindanao massacre have to take place? Do thieves, deceivers and thieves really have to be corrupted? Their greed is growing deeper and deeper as the people suffer more. Back then, Marcos was the only law. Now, in many cases, the law, including our Constitution, seems to be disrespected. Back then, the election was cooked Makoy; Today, the election is Cooked Gloria and Garci. In the past, the project was corrupted by corruption. The remaining part of the project is only a few percent. We are forced to believe that we can do nothing. We need to look back at the past. There is a Ninoy Aquino. He faced a clear danger in his life. We have the opportunity to make peaceful change. He was killed by the power of the corrupt. And with his passing, our democracy came to life. There is a Cory Aquino. He continued the fight — until we restored democracy. And even after the end of the presidency, never once refused to stand up to defend democracy at every risk. Haspeople and forces who want to put aside the interests of the majority for the sake of their selfish interests. As this process progresses, the lives of the poor and the unfortunate. Once upon a time a dictator dared to join a nation. The Filipino people, follow the example of Ninoy and Cory. Wake up and stand up, and drive out the daring. Now the people who follow the footsteps of the darn reign again. You who are here, stand up and warn the brave: Prepare for the day of accountability. Wake up to the truth. The people are awake. In times of darkness, the question is: Who will act to bring us back to the light? In your union, you have answered it. Now, the people who dreamed again are in action, and we see a bright and bright future where the dream will come true too. Once, there was a Ninoy Aquino, alone in his bar. He dared to dream. And as time went on, millions of Filipinos responded to his challenge — and we achieved freedom. Now we have nothing to fear. We are awake. We are awake. We are moving to achieve success: The Filipino will rise again in the world. Thank you very much andHave a great evening to all of you! February 25 2010 | 2 | 117 |
Name of politician: Ma Ying-jeou
Title of Speech: President Ma speeches on the eve of 2012 presidential election
Date of Speech: 13/01/2012
Category: Campaign speech
Chinese Title of the speech: 馬英九凱達格蘭大道「為幸福台灣按讚」 選前之夜
Time: 中華民國101年01月13日
Words: 1506
Source：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssur9eJ6TXY (transcribe)
Body of the speech:
連榮譽主席，吳榮譽主席，各位副主席、各位立法委員，我們郝市長、朱市長、現場各位市議員，各位裏長、各位鄉親、貴賓、好朋友們，大家晚安，大家好。
剛才主辦單位告訴我，現在現場是8萬人。再過10個小時就要投票了，這壹票投下去就會影響臺灣長久的未來。
到底我們希望我們國家要壹個什麽樣的總統呢？我們要看這個國家有什麽樣的挑戰？第1個挑戰當然是經濟，第2個挑戰就是廉能，第3個挑戰就是兩岸跟國際。
為什麽把經濟放第壹呢？因為歐債的風暴已經非常的令人矚目。我們已經受到了影響，那這個時候就要看國家要交給壹個什麽樣的領導人，能夠再度讓臺灣走出歐債風暴帶來的不景氣？其實說起來也不難，因為在過去三年，我們經歷過80年罕見的金融海嘯，跟經濟衰退，同樣的2000年民進黨執政沒有多久，也碰到了網絡的泡沫化的風暴。一比就知道了，那個時候民進黨執政的2001年，經濟成長也曾經掉到負的1.6億。我們更嚴重，我們掉到負的1.8億。而我們在這個前壹年，成長只有0.7%，等於連續兩年都很糟糕。可是到了第3年，馬上我們就沖到了10.72%，民進黨就沒有做到。如果妳看看我們創造就業的能力，我們創造了37.55萬，他們只創造了18.1萬。更重要的是,我們去年我們人均國內生產毛額已經超過了2萬美金，這是19年來1萬美金之後的最大的壹次成長。我們這三年半增加了3092美金。民進黨先前三年半只增加了188塊美金，我們是它的16倍。各位在這樣的情況底下，又碰到了歐債的風暴，請問大家是不是應該讓有經驗、有能力的國民黨繼續執政？是這個答案應該是很明顯的。
第2個就是廉能。民進黨政府執政8年，貪汙腐敗的情況歷史上罕見。從總統、第壹夫人到20位政務官，都涉嫌貪汙被起訴，被判刑，有的已經在坐牢。民進黨蔡主席跟民進黨常常說，妳們國民黨老是擺脫不了陳水扁的陰影，沒有辦法走出來，我要在這裏向大家報告，不是我們不願意走出來，而是那壹段時間政府貪腐的嚴重，在臺灣的歷史上是罕見的，這種情況絕對不可以再發生，對不對？我剛剛說歷史的犯的錯誤也許可以原諒，但是，歷史的教訓不能遺忘，對不對？因為壹旦遺忘了歷史的教訓，就會歷史重演。所以我們壹定要防止這種情況的發生。
蔡英文主席常常說他不是陳水扁，我們都知道，可是她的風格越來越像陳水扁，大家說對不對？他的身邊是很多陳水扁總統過去的幹部，而她的行事風格也越來越像。我們從來沒有說宇昌案是壹個弊案。但是為什麽，蔡主席在整個處理過程當中，面對利益不知回避？面對質疑，卻拼命閃避。這種事情應該自己站出來說清楚。當他指控我說我收受富邦金控1500萬的政治獻金，或者我密匯黑道主頭收了他3億政治獻金的時候，我立刻把我所有的行程都交代得清清楚楚。為什麽呢？因為我非常坦蕩。所以我們如果在這種情況下，要把國家交給壹個面對利益不知回避的候選人，大家放不放心？
各位，第3個挑戰就是兩岸跟國際。各位都知道我的兩岸政策非常清楚，也就是在中華民國憲法的架構下，維持臺海不統、不獨、不武的現狀，同時在壹中各表的“九二共識”之下，推動兩岸的和平發展。我這些東西講了很多次，大家都耳熟能詳了，花的時間不過30秒。可是我們蔡主席說有什麽臺灣共識，講了半年都講不清楚到底是什麽內容。不光是她關心，所有人都關心。本來昨天有國際記者會，她可以出來說清楚的，她又回避掉。
各位，當壹個對臺灣這麽重要的兩岸問題，壹個國政總統候選人，居然不說清楚，顯然他沒有準備好，對不對？所以在這種情況底下，我們怎麽放心能夠讓民進黨執政，大家說對不對？
所以我們讓馬英九繼續執政，好不好？
我繼續執政之後，我會大刀闊斧地讓臺灣脫胎換骨，好不好？
我會用我的生命來捍衛中華民國的主權，來確保臺灣的安全，來真正的促進人民的權益，好不好？
我們希望泛藍大團結，邁向新紀元好不好？
Google Translation:
Honorary Chairman, Honorary Chairman Wu, Vice-Chairmen, Legislators, Mayor Hao, Mayor Zhu, city councillors, mayors, folks, distinguished guests, good friends, good night, everyone, hello.
The organizer told me just now that the site is 80,000 people. Vote in another 10 hours, and this one vote will affect Taiwan's long-term future.
What kind of president do we want in our country? What challenges do we have to see in this country? The first challenge is of course the economy, the second challenge is cheap energy, and the third challenge is cross-strait and international.
Why put the economy first? Because the storm of European debt has been very noticeable. We have already been affected. At this time, it depends on what kind of leader the country is going to hand over to Taiwan once again out of the depression brought by the European debt storm? In fact, it is not difficult to say, because in the past three years, we have experienced 80 years of rare financial tsunami. Like the economic recession, the Democratic Progressive Party did not last long in 2000. It also encountered a storm of network bubbles. I knew it by comparison. In 2001, when the DPP was in power, economic growth also fell to a negative 160 million. We were more serious, we fell to a negative 180 million. In the previous year, our growth rate was only 0.7%, which is equivalent to two years in a row. But in the third year, we rushed to 10.72%, and the DPP failed to do so. If you look at our ability to create jobs, we created 375,500, and they only created 181,000. More importantly, our gross domestic production per capita last year has exceeded US $ 20,000, which is the largest growth since 19 years after US $ 10,000. We have increased $ 3092 in these three and a half years. The DPP has only increased $ 188 in the previous three and a half years, and we are 16 times that. Under such circumstances, we have encountered the storm of European debt. May I ask everyone whether the experienced and capable Kuomintang should continue to govern? This answer should be obvious.
The second is cheap. The DPP government has been in power for 8 years, and corruption is rare in history. From the president, the first lady to 20 administrative officers, all have been charged and sentenced for corruption, and some are already in jail. DPP Chairman Cai and the DPP often say that your KMT cannot always get rid of Chen Shui-bian's shadow and cannot go out. I want to report to you here. It is not that we are not willing to go out. But during that time, the severity of corruption is rare in Taiwan's history. This situation can never happen again, right? I just said that history's mistakes may be forgiven, but the lessons of history cannot be forgotten, right? Because once the lessons of history are forgotten, history repeats itself. So we must prevent this from happening.
Chairman Tsai Ing-wen often said that he was not Chen Shui-bian, as we all know, but her style became more and more like Chen Shui-bian. Is everyone right? He is surrounded by a lot of past cadres of President Chen Shuibian, and her style of acting is becoming more and more similar. We never said that the Yuchang case was a bad case. But why, in the course of the entire process, Chairman Cai did not know how to avoid benefits? Faced with doubts, She desperately avoided. This kind of thing should stand out and make it clear. When she accused me that I had received 15 million political contributions from Fubon Financial, or that my secret gangster had received his 300 million political contributions, I immediately explained all my schedules clearly. why? Because I am very frank. So if we have to hand over the country to a candidate who is unavoidable in the face of interest, can we rest assured?
Ladies and gentlemen, the third challenge is cross-strait and international. Everyone knows that my cross-strait policy is very clear, that is, under the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of China, maintaining the status quo of unrest, independence, and unreliability across the Taiwan Strait, and at the same time promoting the cross-straits under the "1992 consensus" Peaceful development. I have talked about these things many times, and everyone is familiar with it, and it took only 30 seconds. However, Chairman Cai said that there was any consensus in Taiwan. After speaking for half a year, it was not clear what exactly it was. Not only she cares, everyone cares. There was an international press conference yesterday. She could come out and say it clearly, and she avoided it.
Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to a cross-strait issue that is so important to Taiwan and a presidential candidate for state affairs, he doesn't make it clear. Obviously he is not ready, right? So under such circumstances, how can we be assured that we can let the DPP rule? Is everyone right?
So we let Ma Ying-jeou continue in power, shall we?
After I continue in power, I will radically reshape Taiwan entirely, okay?
I will use my life to defend the sovereignty of the Republic of China, to ensure the security of Taiwan, and to really promote the rights and interests of the people, okay?
We hope that the pan-blue coalition unites and marches towards a new era? | 0 | 11 |
SPEECH BY RAFAEL CORREA – Campaign speech in Quito [Transcription by Rebeca and Dave Coon in July 2007] Thank you for being here. That shows the hope of an entire people, we are all a proud and sovereign homeland comrades! This is a new way of doing politics: cheerful, hopeful, without buying people. Thank you to the people who have come from all corners of the country. This is an excited people. A hopeful people that has said enough; enough to the same as always; enough for the traitors of the homeland. Let's build that new homeland that we all dream of and deserve, fellow compatriots. (Musical propaganda). We are common created like you – people who have been in everyday life, many anonymous heroes, like the mothers of families who miraculously fill the pot every day to feed their children. We have been ordinary people, ordinary people, everyday people, but we have said enough with good times. Enough as they have left us without a country. So much destruction is enough and that is why, my dear friends, we have organized this alliance of the country – this proud and sovereign homeland. This is a project foryoung people with joy and hope, because in this country, my friends, it needs a great revolution in democracy, but revolution! We must rebuild the homeland; That is why we are here, that is why we are all together, that is why we are inaugurating this headquarters – which is going to be the headquarters of all of us. We are not preparing for one person's victory. We are not preparing for the victory of a group. We are preparing the victory of an entire people. If you are not the ones who take the reins of this country, who will? They would be accomplices in the tragedy of our homeland. If we do not say here, present young people, present young people, present youth. Present, we have to take the future of our country into our hands. We are going to fight all together compañeros. What does 2006 postulate to be the birth of a new homeland and what homeland do we want? – a haughty and sovereign homeland. They have robbed us of even our dignity. They treat us like dogs. Remember when I was Minister of Economy for reforming the Perigré law [sp??] At the World Bank and he did not give us the one hundred million that they had already decreed for the country– a vulgar extortion of international bureaucrats who speak English and therefore believe themselves untouchable. Remember how they tell us: sign the FTA or we will take away the tariff preferences; that tariff preferences are the compensations for the fight against drugs. We spend money on the fight against drugs and more children die from diarrhea than from drugs. That is not our problem; The problem is the gringo Ecuadorian brothers and sisters. Enough of the sellouts. Fight to the death against corruption! They are taking the country away from us in pesos and some are still talking about privatization. Here we have to deprivatize customs, deprivatize PACIFITEL, deprivatize DINATEL, deprivatize Petro-Ecuador, because they are in the hands of mafias linked to political parties, linked to those hungry dogs who own the country. Enough of them taking our homeland in pesos. (Cheers for the audience). With a country that has denied the future to the majority of its citizens. Our people have swallowed it – this beloved homeland. No one leaves their homeland of their own free will and on this day, this afternoon, in this emblematic place of Quito and of the homeland, let us remember with deep affection, withDeep gratitude, to those heroes who have gone out to the homeland and by taking any risk, even of their own lives, they try to earn a decent living in other latitudes. I am referring to our immigrant brothers and sisters, dear comrades – greetings from here to all of them. We always carry them in our hearts! (Cheer for the audience). It is really necessary to recreate the state. The state no longer gives this political revolution and at least in two axes. First, we must go to a participatory democracy where the common citizen, the everyday citizen has voice and vote, participation in decisions. That representative democracy that dominated the world in the last two centuries is no longer enough. The citizens, not only of Ecuador, the citizens of Latin America and the world no longer want to elect someone to follow them. They want to decide for themselves. They want to be held accountable. They want their leaders to be in front of them, answering questions, explaining, absorbing concerns. For that, dear comrades, a national constituent assembly is needed that improves. Democracy, my dear comrades, is not about electing any impostor who, once elected, betrays everythingWhat he said in the campaign, and we have to endure the four years in the name of democracy, would at most be in the name of elections. Democracy is that you, brothers and sisters, the Ecuadorian people, the sovereign, the principal, through the ballot box, deliver a mandate, an order, to the president, the president, the one who receives a mandate. If that president betrays the mandate, he has to go home. If we deceive, if we betray, compañeros, you know well. Those who know us know that this will never happen, but assuming that it could happen. If we betray. Drag us out! Kick us out! Throw us away! That is democracy. (Propaganda music with applause). The centralist state does not give more, ask the provinces that are here. How do they feel? It is now necessary to go to an aggressive process of decentralization, deconcentration and correct autonomies. That improves the quality of public administration. It takes advantage of one of the few successful experiences we have had in recent years, which are local governments, and even, compañeros and compañeras, it improves the quality of democracy. Of course, beware of those deranged people who talk about independence, separatism. Here we are all going to have Maradi, Esmeralda or Arias as our first name,and Chincha, Azuay, Cañar, but as a second surname Ecuador. Never forget that. Latin America, the liberating dream cannot be just another dream. From the moment that Latin America, as is inevitable – fulfills Bolívar's dream – we are going to have to explain to our children, to our grandchildren, not why we unite, not why we integrate. We are simply going to have to explain to you why we took so long, compatriots... (Applause from the audience) Comrades have robbed us of many things. We cannot allow them to rob us of hope. The moment we lose hope, we are going to be more victims of the executioners; We are going to leave the homeland in the hands of the same people as always. We cannot afford that – let us regain hope. Let's believe again: not in Rafael Correa, not in the country's alliance. Let's believe in each one of us again. This wonderful people of good people, deserves a better destiny – the greatest wealth of a country my dear friends and especially young people. Listen. The greatest wealth of a country is not oil, it is not its seas, it is not its lands. We are each ofwe with determined people, with united people. The future is in our hands. Here, we begin to build the new homeland. Here, we begin to build our future. We are all country. We are all a haughty and sovereign homeland. (Candidate speaks Indian language) ... but all together... (Candidate speaks Indian language) ... We will have that new homeland. Until victory always my dear brothers and sisters! God bless you. (Music, propaganda and applause for the closing of the speech) | 2 | 81 |
"1" "Read the full speech of Mark Rutte at the VVD Congress in the World Forum in The Hague here: Ladies and gentlemen, We live in uncertain and difficult times, especially in these times there is a need for a party that is willing to take responsibility and that does not run away from difficult decisions, especially in these times the VVD is very much needed. I would like to thank you today for once again giving me the confidence to be your party leader, I consider it an honour to be able to lead a rock-solid list with many experienced MPs and new liberal talent. But I tell you honestly, I am disappointed that it is necessary so soon, I am disappointed that we could not continue with our work. That some measures that are really necessary... and of which we deeply believe that they make the Netherlands stronger, just did not reach the finish line. For example, the Work according to Ability Act. With which we could ideally have made it possible to focus social security on what people can do, instead of on what they cannot do. With which we could have stopped the unacceptable influx of two school classes a day into the Wajong. I'm fed up with itthat this proposal had to be shelved instead of in the Official Gazette. But at the same time, I am proud. Proud of what I have already achieved with my team. What the VVD has achieved. Your vote has made a difference. In almost two years, we have achieved a lot that we have been fighting for for years. -Fewer ministers -Fewer ministries -More austere redundancy pay -Fewer rules -Less paperwork for entrepreneurs -Rights for victims -Punishment of perpetrators -You keep your hands off police and ambulance staff -Nurses are treated like professionals again -Stricter asylum policy -Tackling illegality -Shock therapy for the cultural sector -Smarter development aid for considerably less money -Tougher Fight against fraud -More language and arithmetic -Better Technical education -Investment in Top Sectors -Simpler wage declaration -Fewer subsidies -More roads -Care closer to home -Working for your benefit And finally, ... the budget in order. It's not nothing. And yet I tell you, it is not enough. We would like to continue. For example, helping people on welfare to work Reducing healthcare costs Combating skewed housing. But we had to stop and that hurts. For us. And for the very hard-working Netherlands. We made a compromise that will not be our election program. Because youWe would rather reduce expenditure than increase the burden. We didn't take the easy way. The VVD has never done that. We did not leave, but did what had to be done at that time For a healthy budget and a reliable government. Because a country in economic crisis must remain governable. It might have been easier if I had gone into election mode after the fall of the cabinet. If I had shouted that the VVD is right and other parties are wrong. If I had stuck my head in the sand for the problems we face. But if I had done that, I would have been no better than party leaders who mainly want the best for their club, but not necessarily for the country. As Prime Minister, as party leader, in The Hague and in Brussels, I always have the same goal in mind: What is best for the Netherlands? And no, the best thing for the Netherlands is not a Netherlands with more Europe, which surrenders to a political union. And no, the best thing for the Netherlands is not a Netherlands without Europe, which retreats behind the dikes. All the best for the Netherlands, women andgentlemen, is a Europe with more of the Netherlands. With more VVD. A frugal Europe that sticks to the rules. That protects our economic interests and increases prosperity. That arranges a number of core tasks well, but does not interfere with what we can do ourselves. Where you are free to make your own choices, until you exceed the norms. That has not happened for too long. Rules were stretched and countries sat back. A debt crisis was the result. And what I find so completely unbelievable now is that some parties act as if there is a simple solution. A solution that they often apply: walking away. Get out. Leave things as they are. In the hope that someone else will solve the problem. Or that the problem will disappear on its own. But that's not fair. If you are in politics, people can expect you to come up with solutions that work for the country. Not with false solutions that work in the polls. The VVD will never walk away. That VVD will never look away. The VVD will lead the way! When we campaigned two years ago, I already said it: It's not about keeping things together. We have to get into the businessget exercise. And we did. Against the current. And that flow has not decreased. In fact, if we don't continue rowing now, we will drift off again. The national debt has risen to over 400 billion. Converted, every hairdresser, bus driver, butcher....every working Dutchman.... a debt of 50,000 euros. Each baby has a bill of 25,000 euros in the crib. And without paying off anything, that debt costs us 10 billion a year; Five times as much as what we spend on childcare, twice as much as goes to the police and just as much as is invested in primary education. And I really don't understand why there are parties that don't think that's enough. Who want to take on more debt, supposedly to stimulate the economy. If that is true, then Greece would have the highest growth in Europe. We need to spend less and earn more. We have to do things fundamentally differently. We cannot afford half a million people on benefits who can actually work. We cannot afford for an average family to spend half of its income on health care. And we can't stand by and watchdisadvantaged immigrants can make use of our facilities, without contributing anything themselves. We are obliged to intervene. For our public finances. But more importantly. For all Dutch people. People here in the room and people at home are watching the news with growing concern. You may be worried about your job, your home, your retirement. You are asking us, the politicians, for solutions. But you also ask that you be affected as little as possible. Preferably not cut back on childcare, the travel allowance and no higher VAT rate. And I understand that concern. The agreements we have made to put the budget in order also affect the hard-working Dutchman. The backbone of our society. If the VVD is in charge, we will replace a number of those measures. You will see that later in our election program. Because I stand for the fact that work pays off, that entrepreneurship is the engine of our economy, that education gives everyone the opportunity to be well prepared at the start, that everyone gets the care he or she needs, and that the suffocating safety net of assistance, of pathetic thinking, makes way for a system focused on what people cancan. That is desperately needed. Those who don't do that don't take people seriously and write them off. Liberals will never do that. The VVD will never do that. And what I will never do is what previous cabinets did. Absorbing a crisis by spending even more money. With even more debt. We still feel the disastrous consequences of this every day. -In 2008 I warned of a mountain of debt, but the cabinet talked about \"stimulating the economy\" -In 2010 I wanted to cut back almost thirty billion, but the left dismissed me as a number fetishist. -Two years ago I presented a coalition agreement with 18 billion in cuts, but many parties called it antisocial. Ladies and gentlemen, things can change. The same parties are now quietly entering that 18 billion in their election program. And some are adding another 12 billion for 2013. How credible are you as a party if you are always behind the facts? But even worse are parties that will never admit they are wrong. They continue to live in a time of conservatism, acquired rights and spending money. Sometimes, ladies and gentlemen, when I have had a heavy dinner, I sometimes imagine what will happen if the Netherlandsafter the elections would fall into the hands of the pessimists, the socialists and the Runaways. I wake up sweating because I see Emile Roemer sitting in the tower. There is an ATM at the front door. A flap tap from the State that spits out borrowed money. Next to it hangs a Big Red Mailbox. From that letterbox comes a charming voice that sounds a lot like Holle Bolle Gijs \"Money here, Money here. Thank you\". What the Netherlands needs is not conservatism and spending money. What the Netherlands needs is to get on with it and look ahead. As we have always done in history when things got tough. The Netherlands is not financed on credit. The Netherlands is built on hard work. On people who not only took responsibility for themselves, but also for future generations. And each generation stepped back on the shoulders of the previous one. Century after century, the Dutch took matters into their own hands. Step by step and stone by stone, our strong free country has been built hard. We mined peat and clay. Traded with the whole world. And ground our houses dry in the polders This created a country that belongs to the top. A country where people ofall over the world. To our Delta Works, The leading business community To the way in which we, as a free society, give space to difficult topics such as abortion and euthanasia. President Obama recently advocated for same-sex marriage. 11 years after we introduced it. The Netherlands is leading, as is shown time and time again. Just last week I was able to witness the IPO of the familiar, but innovative Douwe Egberts. They hesitated to establish the headquarters in London or Geneva. But they chose Amsterdam. In the same week there was more good news Tomtom, a top Dutch company, did not lower its head when things went wrong for a few years. They continued to innovate and announced a wonderful deal with Apple. For example, the roadmaps made in the Netherlands also point the way in China. All this proves that we have made good choices in recent years. The Netherlands is another country where top players want to have their headquarters. From companies with more than 250 years of history to companies from the new economy. And not only do people want to settle here, they also want to bring a piece of the Netherlands to themselves. From New York to Tokyo they want usdesign, our scientists... and even our bike paths. How do they do that? Those crazy Dutchmen? I will tell you. This is due to our eternal perseverance. Because of the urge for a better life. For ourselves and our children. The VVD has always been a party that does not pit generations against each other, but connects them with each other. From 2011 onwards, the first baby boomers will retire. My eldest brother, for example, - yes I am an afterthought - who worked as a trader all his life. He belongs to a generation that helped build up our prosperity after the war. He fought for freedoms that we all benefit from today. Equal rights for men and women, gay emancipation, the pill. But also a generation that had to experience in the eighties that economic prosperity cannot go hand in hand with an endless growth of the welfare state. They saw facilities become less luxurious, started paying more for the children's education and saw their savings on the stock market evaporate. A generation that may now think I have already worked so much and taken so many blows, now it is my time. But that generation knows very well that it is not that simple. Because the world is once againhas changed. People are getting older. Competition from Brazil, China and India is increasing. Pensions are under pressure. But the last thing that generation wants is to use up the pension pots and leave nothing for their children. They haven't worked so hard for that all these years. Times change and we have to move forward. And the young people know that too. Some were raised by parents who think that there is also a B-side on a CD. Who think of table tennis when they think of pinging. While they themselves hand in their homework via the internet and can become world famous via youtube. Young people who know that they will soon have to keep our country running with 2 workers to 1 older person. Young people who meet overzealous students from China or India in the lecture halls. Young people who want to work with their hands, but see more and more migrant workers from Central and Eastern Europe filling the vacancies. A generation that may now think I don't have to count on anything and will have to work very hard to make something of it. Your own house, a job, nothing seems certain. But who also knows that it is not that simple. That flexibility is a new form of security. That there will be shortageson the labor market and need people who are articulate, independent and skilled. They are bursting with self-confidence. There are people who oppose the interests of the younger and the older generation. As two camps. Where one can only win at the expense of the other. I put them side by side. In fact, they stand next to each other. Today's elderly want to leave the legacy for future generations decently. Just like their parents did. And young people want their parents and grandparents; the people who have built our country have a good life. Young and old have a common goal. That is also my goal, that is also our goal. Progress! When people look back on our time in fifty years, they will not see the generations. But the contributions of those generations to the development of our country are. They will be positive. That is our responsibility! Not our own interest or acquired right, but the question of whether we are achieving something better. In the past 64 years, that has always been the driving force of the VVD. People could and can count on us That was the case after the disastrous policy of Den Uyl. That wasso after the crisis of the 80s And that is also the case now. We don't want to score in the short term. We want to leave something behind that lasts. I want people to still come to the Netherlands in ten years' time to learn from our infrastructure, our business and our labor market. To how companies like Douwe Egberts and Tomtom are still thriving and internationally successful. But also at how they can accommodate people with a work disability. Because then we won't write these people off anymore. To how a 55-year-old programmer makes the transition to education, to teach mathematics. Because we then make optimal use of the experience of older employees. In the Netherlands that I see in front of me in 10 years' time, it is brimming with talent and activity. And people will come from all over to see how we managed to do that. But I think they won't come to see just that. They will also come to see how we could come out of the crisis so strong. How we, as a small country, have had such an impact on a working Europe. How people are happy here, without the government arranging it for them. How we do something forabout each other, without the need for a subsidy. They come here and will ask How did they do it, those crazy Dutchmen? And my answer will be Not by postponing, but by taking action, as we Dutch have always done. And of course because the Netherlands voted massively VVD on September 12, 2012. I'm counting on you! And the Netherlands is counting on us! " | 1 | 69 |
Vlad Filat's commitment to Young People Dear young people, In 2009, you, the young people, brought democracy and hope back to the rebirth of the Republic of Moldova. Your courage and vote at that time awakened hundreds of thousands of citizens, making them look confidently to the future. I know that the situation of young people remains a very complicated one, marked by a multitude of problems and difficulties. Young people leave not only their hometowns, but also the country. Poverty and lack of perspective lead them to do this. This is why I have set myself the goal of fighting poverty for the next 4 years. I want young people to stay in the country because we need them to build a modern country, I want young people, who are already gone, to have reasons to return home and use their experience gained abroad. Adequate study conditions, well-paid jobs, the possibility of having a home, arranged dormitories and, obviously, freedoms towards which young people strive – these are just some of the objectives that I am committed to achieving. We strongly believe that our country can become more attractive, more prosperous and freer. I am committed to achieving the following: 1. Jobs for young people There is potentialand the will to create 100 000 new well-paid jobs. The development of entrepreneurship stimulation programs for young people, the reduction of the cost of business start-up procedures and the attraction of foreign investments will ensure a dynamic and innovative business environment capable of attracting young people to stay in the country, and those who have already left – to return and invest in Moldova. 2. No visas in Europe Thanks to the efforts of the Filat Government, the Republic of Moldova has achieved unprecedented achievements on the road to European integration. Based on our successes, we take full responsibility for ensuring visa-free travel to the EU by 2012. For young people from Moldova, this means studying abroad, participating in exchange programs in Europe, traveling, but especially the possibility of returning to the country to implement all the knowledge and experience gained abroad. 3. Quality education In order to have a free generation with modern visions, we need access to quality education. We will harmonize the educational system in Moldova with the European one and we will support international student exchange programs. The education system will be modernized to better meet the demands of the labor market. And since the scholarships do not cover the needs of a decent living, we will undertakea set of measures aimed at substantially increasing student scholarships. 4. Supporting young families Facilitating young families' access to cheap sources of financing for housing is a priority. The social support measures will ensure a better life for young families: a one-time allowance of 10,000 lei at the birth of the child and a monthly allowance for raising a child of 1300 lei. 5. Involving young people in decision-making We have hundreds of thousands of young people who are disconnected from the economic, social and cultural processes in the Republic of Moldova. The country needs their contribution. The active involvement of young people in all areas of social life in Moldova will be carried out by substantially increasing the budget allocated to youth activities, supporting the participation of young people in the process of making important decisions at all levels and facilitating the accession of young people to public offices. Youth in all societies is the agent of change, so it is fundamental that young people are involved in the process of modernization of the country. 6. Fight against corruption - A corrupt state demoralizes society and, first of all, young people. Corruption stifles initiative, diminishes prospects and morally degrades society. This is why I believe that the fight against corruption in all areas: education, health, supervisory and control institutions of thewill have a positive effect on the quality of life of the whole society, but especially of young people. This is my commitment to young people. We will follow it with great insistence and perseverance, working for young people and together with young people http://www.filat.md/blog/?p=2773 | 0 | 2 |
SPEECH BY VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH IN KYIV AT THE 12TH PRE-ELECTION CONGRESS OF THE PARTY OF REGIONS Dear compatriots! Preparing for this performance, I thought a lot. About my difficult life, about Ukraine, whose fate became my own fate. About the difficult era in which we live. About millions of my compatriots who believe that God has not forgotten about Ukraine. He did not leave her without his grace, and will help the kind and hardworking people, who are worthy of the best power. I thought about the fact that I had gone through trials by the authorities and the opposition, through triumphs and persecutions. Therefore, at the time of the most responsible choice in my life, what I have lived and experienced will not give me a return either to myself or to people. Therefore, I urge you to believe in the victory of our common cause as firmly as I believe in it Ukraine. We need more than just victory. We need a convincing victory. Because the country needs a monolithic force to quickly get out of the crisis. And such a force is the unity of the government and the people. Only the unity of the government and the people will guarantee the liberation of Ukraine from the evil generated by the war between the orange leaders. Through unprofessional fault and quarrels not only betweenitself, but also with the people of the orange government, the state found itself in a state of actual bankruptcy, a deep split, compromised in the eyes of the world community. Until 2004, Ukraine was moving forward along a difficult, but its own path of historical development. She still had a lot to do, in particular in the field of civil liberties and freedom of speech. The solution of these issues required honesty and openness of the authorities, and not revolutionary expediency, which led to lawlessness and repression. In 2004, a revolution was exported to Ukraine. The bet was made on a group of politicians who are ready for any adventures for the sake of power. And they seized this power, for which the entire Ukrainian people are paying today. It is paid for by mass unemployment, high prices, absolute insecurity of a person before a corrupt official, insecurity before repressive bodies – the police, courts, which, instead of protecting the law and the rights of citizens, carry out political orders to persecute citizens who are undesirable to the authorities. There is no segment of the population in Ukraine that could say that the current government is power for the people. As I have said more than once, the government lives in one country, and the people live in another. In the context of the processes that marked the beginning of the twenty-first century, the Maidan experiment in Ukraine, as well as the "color revolutions" in general, led to a weakening of security and stability in all regions where they took place or where they were planned. Eraof the "orange" project has been completed. The world is changing. The role of politicians in the renewed world will be to make it as safe and fair as possible. The task of national leaders is to ensure the establishment of universal values in their states - prosperity, stability, confidence in the future, rights and freedoms of citizens. Is it possible in Ukraine? Perhaps. I firmly believe in this and know what needs to be done for this. Now the country is driven to extreme exhaustion. It rests only on unprecedented external borrowing. The borrowed money is used only to somehow hold out until the presidential election. In fact, Ukraine is bankrupt, and its citizens are chronic debtors for many years to come. Contrary to the billboards "it works", which were pasted over the whole country like excise stamps, I declare with all responsibility: Ukraine works not thanks to, but in spite of the actions of the current government. And the fact that people's lives are so hard, that the economy is falling, that small businesses are curtailing, that factories and factories are closing, that the army of unemployed and hungry people is growing - all this has one reason. Its name is unprofessional and irresponsible power. The authorities, which not only deprived businesses of loans, not only crushed them with excessive taxes and exactions, not only scared away investors with corruption and shameful scandals with hunting people and raping children, butand took away the savings that citizens had in bank accounts. Here are just a few specific examples. Industrial production decreased by a third. Construction collapsed in half. People have lost the last hope of getting long-awaited housing. The authorities destroyed the domestic manufacturer, opening the borders for low-quality imports. And now we are importing what we once exported. Even lard and sugar. Not to mention all other essentials. People's purchasing power has halved over the past two years. The Party of Regions has made great efforts to achieve the adoption of a law on increasing minimum pensions and salaries. But in order for people to be confident in the future, radical changes are needed. And these changes are needed by everyone – veterans who, deprived of state care, cannot even buy medicine and food, graduates of universities and colleges who cannot find a job, mothers who cannot guarantee their children either reliable health care or quality education, young healthy men who lose their jobs en masse and are forced to leave their families and home to hire in foreign lands, old and sick people who do not have access to medical care... There is no social stratum in Ukraine for which this government would improve life. There is a small handful of bribe-takers and thieves in power. And only they "live cheerfully and freely", as the famous Nekrasov would say. In a word, the diagnosis of the current governmentset life itself. And the definition of this diagnosis is unequivocal - incompetence, unprofessionalism and irresponsibility. To prevent the final collapse of the state, two things must be done: the first is to change this power; the second is to immediately begin implementing the plan to bring Ukraine out of the crisis. This is a program called "Ukraine for People". I will not dwell on all its aspects in detail. The document has been distributed to delegates and will be published. I will only say about the most important thing. My goal is simple and clear – to raise the standard of living of Ukrainians to European. To make sure that in ten years there will be at least 50 million of us, the inhabitants of Ukraine. So that young families give birth to children and so that those of our compatriots who have been driven by hard life to earn money return home. My goal as the future President is to provide our country with a worthy place among the twenty most developed countries in the world. What needs to be done to achieve this goal. The first is to restore and modernize the public administration system destroyed by the orange ones. One of the priorities in this is the transfer of power and resources in the regions to local self-government. To every city and to every village. It is necessary to abandon manual management of the economy and budget. Economic laws should be governed, not emotions and the principle – who will come closer and give more. It is necessary to reduce taxes, most significantly - three times - for enterprises,where new jobs are created and new technologies are introduced. I will give a tax holiday for 5 years for all small businesses. And I will exempt small businesses from registration fees and the issuance of all permits. Together with my team, I will create the best conditions for investment in Ukraine in the region of Central and Eastern Europe. My program "Ukraine for People" guarantees support for domestic producers, which we will make competitive. We have a specific plan for state support for science, university development, stimulation of high-tech production, development and implementation of innovative programs. I will improve life in environmentally hazardous polluted areas. And this will be a significant step towards achieving a higher goal – improving the overall environmental situation in the country. In the banking sector, lending will be unblocked and interest rates will be lowered for entrepreneurs and all sectors of the economy. The program provides for a number of measures designed to support the mining and metallurgical complex and agriculture. In particular, peasants will receive compensation for loans and subsidies for the production of livestock products. After filling the domestic market with livestock products, subsidies will be equal to those in the European Union, in order to make Ukrainian products competitive. We will develop and use alternative energy. To develop the gas transportation industry. To do everything to ensure Ukraine's energy independence. All this is simply called recovery and return of the economy to the rails of growth. Dear compatriots! Central place in the proposed Program"Ukraine for People" is devoted to policy in the social sphere. Several tasks must be solved by our state in the next five years in order to rise to the European standard of living of people. The most important task here is the social protection of people, guaranteed by the state. The fight against unemployment is of the greatest importance. As I said, we will create new jobs. The state will provide families with favorable conditions for the birth and upbringing of children. Real support from the state for low-income groups of people is also the development of a system of assistance to large families with low incomes, the regulation of benefits and compensations. I guarantee people that their savings will be returned to them, and the hryvnia exchange rate will be stable. We will also protect those citizens who suffered from the crisis by taking foreign currency loans. We will change healthcare to high-quality, affordable and reliable. Let's adopt a law on the employer's obligation to guarantee an employee a health insurance package. I will ensure a gradual increase in the volume of budget financing of the health care system to the level of 10 percent of GDP. As it is in developed European countries. The state will invest in young people. I will create conditions for the best Ukrainian universities to be included in the list of the 500 best universities in the world. State programs to support young families, ensure the right to the first job and the first housing will become a priority. My program "Ukraine for People" provides for this. We'll bring back the times whenThere were a large number of state children's sports schools, various sections at children's and youth centers in the country, when sports, tourism, modeling and much more were publicly available. When the right to study at public expense in higher and secondary educational institutions and get a guaranteed job after graduation was the rule, not the exception to it. It is possible. And we will do it. The Armed Forces will be reformed. Their numerical composition will be determined in accordance with the economic capabilities of the state. The program provides for the transition to the contract army for the abolition of military service. There will be no more homeless officers in Ukraine – this state shame. And I guarantee it. Along with officers' shoulder straps, graduates of higher military educational institutions will receive a job and keys to a service apartment, which will eventually become their own. I will make cardinal changes in the system of democracy. Elections to the Verkhovna Rada will be held on open lists. At the same time, the winning party automatically receives the majority of deputy mandates. We will equal the rights of all citizens – from the president, deputy to teacher, doctor, worker or farmer. We have already taken the first step in this direction – these days the Verkhovna Rada supported my bill, which provides for equality before the Law of Deputies, the President and ordinary citizens. I will prohibit the executive branch from interfering in the activities of the legislative and judicial authorities. Judges will be elected by the peopleand to be severely punished for the adoption of a knowingly unjust act and for violation of the terms of consideration of the case. Dear compatriots! I have repeatedly said that Ukraine's return to the channel of economic and social progress is impossible without changing its foreign policy. I will give Ukraine a new foreign policy. Ukraine will be a non-aligned state. The new foreign policy will be based on the national interest. The restoration of a multipolar world and the formation of a new international order requires Ukraine to create a non-conflict foreign policy climate. We will initiate a new common market between the European Union and the CIS. The priority in foreign policy will be the restoration of a full-fledged partnership with Russia. As well as the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with the United States, the European Union, and all key G-20 countries. Dear compatriots! The key to saving the Ukrainian state is to eliminate the great split created by the Orange Revolution – the split between the people and the government, when the government lives in a prosperous, rich, privileged country, and the people live beyond the poverty line. I will eliminate the split between the government and the people. First of all, demonstrating by his own example respect for the letter and spirit of law and justice. My team and I will immediately refuse all the benefits that the authorities currently enjoy. Dear compatriots! By going to the polls, we convincingly show society our unwavering confidence in the ability to return the state from crisis to growth. "We win and we will win" - this is our slogan. Victory will be ensuredDifficult. Significant financial resources have been mobilized against us. However, no amount of money will help those who promised and did not fulfill their promises. Those who have deceived the people must depart. People remember what we talked about five years ago. All our pro-gnoses, unfortunately, came true. We will make 2010 the year of restoration of justice. Public opinion polls by the most authoritative sociological services not only in Ukraine, but also from abroad have been consistently showing our tangible superiority over politicians from the orange camp for many months. The advantage, and most importantly, the truth, is on our side, and the people feel it. Meeting with people in the regions, I am convinced that no political technology, no tricks, zombification and black PR will work. People do not trust this government and desperate attempts worth billions of hryvnias to convince people that it works are no longer effective. In contrast to this intrusive advertising, sweet promises flowing from the ether, we contrast restraint and poise. A presidential candidate from the Party of Regions, a candidate from the people, does not promise breakthroughs and miracles. However, I will do everything possible and impossible for Ukraine to return to the path of stable development, civic harmony, good-neighborliness and predictability. I will unite Ukrainian society. As the president of the state, I will ensure the legislative consolidation of the right of the regions to pursue an independent humanitarian policy. The central government will not indicate withKyiv, what language should teachers and students communicate in during school breaks. Both the native language and the native language will be equally respected in Ukraine and will have the same rights. The authorities from Kyiv will not dictate to local communities which monuments to lay flowers at. The regions will decide for themselves. The diversity of cultures and traditions of the regions will not weaken the state, but on the contrary will strengthen it. All civilized states of the world follow this path. This is the way we will go. I will take care of the international authority of the state. In a world where the call to love one's neighbor as oneself is interpreted by politicians as a call to care, first of all, about one's people, Ukraine will be for people. When I am elected president, I will make sure that the Ukrainian interest is not ensured at the expense of weakening the security of our partners, both closest and those with whom we do not have direct borders. Determining our place among the world community, we will place ourselves in such a way as not to disturb others, but so that our presence is felt sufficiently. I have seen a lot of injustice in my life and could not always prevent it. But I have never put up with the fact that someone is humiliated. As President, I will never allow Ukraine to be humiliated. No one and never, no matter who tries to do it their own or others, alliesor enemies. And I want the whole of Ukraine to hear these words. With God – to victory! | 2 | 119 |
SPEECH BY CARLOS MENEM AT LUNA PARK SALVAL ACT MARCH 10, 1989 WE SAVE ARGENTINA TOGETHER OR ABSOLUTELY NO ONE SAVES IT: Compañeros, compañeras. Sisters and brothers. Capital. Brothers and sisters of my country. Beloved children. You who are here, inside this room, should know that outside there are more than 10,000 Peronist and non-Peronist comrades in the rain, adhering to this festival of democracy and freedom. To this party that only Justicialism can summon, together with the other political parties, with whom we have constituted the Justicialist Front of Popular Unity. Here are the old and young leaders who accompany us in this task to recover the dignity of the people and the homeland, so that FREJUPO returns to the Government and with it the people. We are triumphing unquestionably despite having to stoically endure insult, defamation, disinformation because it is true, we live in a democracy, but there is a certain tyranny that the government has imposed: it is the tyranny of the media that have not even passed to the power of the State, but have passed directly to the power of the ruling party and from there, It is instrumenteda bell that was only in the calculation of the pertidos." And this is so unfortunate that the essence of that great party of republican formation that was born many years ago in Argentine history is being distorted. I believe that in their grave, when they see this modality and this defamatory campaign, men of the stature of Alem and Hipólito Yrigoyen are rolling over. This has nothing to do with the radicalism that I have known, or with the policy that those two great men, Juan D. Perón and Don Ricardo Balbín, put in place, after many years of disagreement. That hug is still giving a permanent message to all Argentines. And I feel gratified after having listened to my colleagues, who have raised their voices, have made presentations of their proposals and their ideas and have not raised either insults or insults. I tell my adversaries that to every insult, to every slander, that to every defamation we are going to respond with ideas, with proposals, with projects, with an outstretched hand to make them understand that we will save Argentina together or we will not save itabsolutely no one. That's why we're here, I'm here. We are neither sectarian nor exclusive, we work for everyone as always, with an unshakable loyalty to my people, to my country, supporting and promoting the candidates of the capital, for councilman Comrade Suardi, for National Disciple Toma, for National Senator Comrade Vaca and for Inten donto of the Federal Capital Comrade Grosso. I know that the inhabitants of the capital, who are as federal as the inhabitants of the rest of the country, because they are federal by law: they do not share this absurd and denigrating centralism either. They are also against this System, they are in favor of an authentically Federal homeland, so that the provinces are architects of their own destiny and not instruments of the Ambition of the rulers of the day. We come from the Argentine northwest. Two days ago we were in the capital of Entre Ríos, together with comrade Governor Jorge Busti, who is present here, and with comrade Baroni, in Chaco, in that task that will lead us to the triumph of Justicialism, to the triumph of FREJUPO. And precisely on International Women's Day, in Paraná, we finalized the retirements for womenhousewives, fulfilling an old desire and a promise that we raised as a flag in 1983. It was the best tribute we could pay to our colleagues, to our mothers, sisters, to our daughters, on that fundamental day, one of the most important, if not the most important in our community. We are demonstrating with deeds and not with words, with achievements and not with promotions and lies, that we have coined and make true that of: "what better than saying is doing and better than promising is to perform". There are five Justicialist provinces where housewives have their retirement and 82% of the vital, minimum and mobile pension is in force. So, my dear friend Angeloz, I tell you that you are wrong. Ud.no He is going to go arm in arm with women to the triumph of May 14, perhaps he will go very alone in the solitude of the silence of unfulfilled promises. We will go with all the people, including radicals to tell the world, here is the liberating proposal of a people who want to be fully and not on their knees. WE WANT TO PUT THE ACCENT ON LIFE AND NOT ON DEATH: We are not working for a sector of the community, we are not even Sectariansnor exclusive, we work for everyone and that is why we promote National Unity, hence this Justicialist Front of Popular Unity, I say this with all humility, here at my side there are old fighters who have the same right as us to occupy this rostrum and there are other trade unionist comrades, who also have them. Starting on May 14, I call on all of you to start working and implement National Unity and the Productive Revolution. This is what is making the Argentine Republic leap towards the Latin American Union, the Morena Homeland, which does not surrender, which has to rise to the face of the earth as a new and glorious nation. When we speak of National Unity, we want to put the accent on life and not on death, we want to put the emphasis on love between men and not on hatred, we want to refer to work and not to speculation. We don't want this Argentina anymore, where those who do nothing live well and those who work every day live very badly. I am not a handpicked candidate, so much so that they criticize us, however we have shown signsof our democratic faith through a clear participation of our people to designate who was going to represent us. I am not a candidate who is fabricated through the media, I am not a candidate who is close to those who are far away and far from those who are close in the Argentine Republic: I am a man who comes from a humble province, who must be judged more by his conduct than by his words. more by his experience or his knowledge, than by dialectics or rhetoric, I want to say here and now to all the Argentine people and those foreigners who enter into the game of a smear campaign, that in the political life of Carlos Menem there is not a single contradiction. There have always been clear and forceful proposals that are in full evolution, according to the events in Argentina and the world. It is true, Carlos Menem dialogued with all sectors of the community, and why not also with the military. If General Perón was a soldier, San Martin was a soldier, Rosas, Quiroga, Chacho, Güemes, Belgrano were soldiers. Savio and Mosconi were soldiers: or now it is a shame to talk toour brothers who wear uniforms. But they will not be able to say about Carlos Menem that he accompanied or dialogued with the tyrants. I remember that shortly after leaving prison, when the dialogue with the dictatorship was opened, I was asked if I agreed with that dialogue. I replied energetically, you don't talk to tyrants, you confront them and pulverize them, costing me almost a year of continuous there in the north of Argentina. So don't come to talk to me about democracy to someone who has suffered in his own flesh the breakdown of the institutional order like many comrades. I can happily tell it and how I can tell it here and now I pay tribute to those who fell in the hard years of repression in the Argentine Republic. Now we are carrying out a policy of conciliation, a policy of consultation different from the policy of the ruling party, which is the policy of confrontation and confrontation. Up with the flags, which fly in homage to our disappeared and our dead: it seems that it is a sin to speak of our dead in the Argentine Republic. For God's sake, what country are we living in, if theythey are the ones who defended democracy and freedom as we are not going to pay tribute to them. And when I speak of our dead, I am talking about those who fell victim to repression, but I am also talking about those who fell in our Malvinas Islands, detaining the honor of our homeland and our Armed Forces. That is why we want to reach an agreement with the workers and we are going to achieve it. The backbone of the Justice Front list of Popular Unity continues to be the Organized Labor Movement. We are going to agree with the Armed Forces, we are going to agree with the professionals, with the businessmen. We are going to agree and defend our retirees. Enough of lies, enough of false promises, enough of deception. OUR PROPOSAL: NATIONAL UNITY - PRODUCTIVE REVOLUTION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: Our people are no longer in a situation like this. We do not want more pre-sales or the corruption that denigrates. It seems that the whole country revolves around four blocks, that is why I have criticized the system and not the people here in the Federal Capital. In the city of Buenos Aires, many men, who used to work in the furrow or in the offices, are permanently with the notebook and pencil,sharpening it, to see how much the interest is and how much the dollar is. They have not realized that this is a way of dominating and subjugating peoples. That is why we talk about the culture of work. We want all our immense wealth, all our raw materials, not to go overseas, but to be processed here, manufactured and transformed so that our young people have a place to work and not emigrate. The Argentina we want, an Argentina that makes the biblical mandate I gave a reality: you will earn your bread by the sweat of your brow. We do not want more handouts, we do not want more pre-sales and we do not want the corruption that denigrates and humiliates the dignity of the nation. We have to put an end to the big deals so that in Argentina, Argentines, through production and work, can do great business. To create wealth and distribute it among all with a true sense of Social Justice. That is what the Productive Revolution is aimed at. If the worker and capital produce 100, it is just, it is logical, it is necessary for capital to earn 50. but that the other 50 go into the pockets of theworkers. All kinds of industry, all kinds of production: cattle raising, agriculture, agro-industries, heavy industry, the petrochemical industry, the large industries that can be set up will have a place in the Justicialist Proposal. And if you hurry me up a lot, I would tell you something else, one day before the fortieth anniversary of the entry into force of that true legal monument, which is the Social Constitution of 1949. I would say that we are going to reform as necessary the mother legal system that is the current Constitution, which has already completed its cycle, which has made it possible for the people to live in freedom, but we are living in other times and other instances in Argentina, Latin America and the world. We therefore need a constitution similar to that of 1949. It is necessary to shorten the presidential term, I do not reach this stage to perpetuate myself in government. I am going to take an examination before my people, if I did the things well, that they re-elect me and if not, that they look for another, so that they continue to lead the destinies of the Argentine Republic. Compañeras, compañeros, sisters and brothers, children of my country, I ask of you the same thing thatI have been asking you everywhere, the time has come for great decisions. The time has come to gamble all or nothing. To gamble for everything is to gamble for the homeland, to gamble for nothing is to gamble for the continuity of this government. With all due respect, I say that Dr. Angeloz is the continuation of Allonsinis mo. Carlos Menem is the continuation of democracy, freedom, the greatness of the homeland and the happiness of the Argentine people. Sisters and brothers of ple. for God's sake I ask you, standing. Here we do not play another electoral process, here we play the future of the country, the future of Latin America, each one of you, converted into a preacher of the Justicialist proposal, house by house, neighborhood by neighborhood, Argentine by Argentine. For the poor children who are hungry, for the children in prison who are sad, for the brothers and sisters without work, for the homeless homes, for the tables without bread, for our homeland I ask you to follow me. Follow me. I will not disappoint you. May God bless you. Farewell. Buenos Aires MENEM PRESIDENT GROSSO MAYOR | 1 | 63 |
Address of the President 2006 Source: Booklet for the program "Rebirth in 100 Days" of the VMRO DPMNE party for the parliamentary elections 2006 Dear citizens! The energy that comes from this country is strong. Even more powerful are its stories, history, and natural beauty. Here I grew up, here I felt joy for the first time, here I learned what sadness means. Here are my friends, comrades, my family, my destiny. Here and in no other place – nowhere better. Only here, in the Republic of Macedonia, among you, in the country I love. I am convinced that this feeling is shared with me by all, all those who are part of the narrative of this country. We all depend on each other. And all of us, together, with a responsible attitude towards each and every one of us in this country, can begin what we love – a new era, an era in which we will establish a new system of values, in which we will show unity, courage and love, but also passion and determination. An era in which we promote economic development, progress, security, community, tolerance and mutual understanding. Such will be the new era of our country. It will be an era that will mark a new, successful futureFor all of us. Our history and the greatness of our primordial values give us the right to believe in it, to believe in ourselves, to believe in Macedonia and to know that it will be better! I am firmly convinced that the Macedonian force, supported by the restoration of self-reliance and the new togetherness, will be able to move Macedonia towards the establishment of a clear state policy, which will reflect the fundamental interests and goals of Macedonia. Macedonia needs a new breakthrough, and such a breakthrough implies and requires a complete restoration of its inner vitality. This requires victory over the spirit of cowardice, consolidation of all components of state and social life and full concentration on the consistent and responsible achievement of the fundamental goals and interests of Macedonia. VMRO-DPMNE has the strength for such a breakthrough! Pakistan has the strength to make such progress, to take great steps forward towards prosperity and development! A spirit of behavior followed by responsibility, self-reliance and reliance on one's own strengths and potentials, followed by thorough, professional, professional, responsive and constant actions of individuals and institutions, together with the balanced development of all spheres will give Macedonia a new impetus. These steps will be motivated by our strength, willpower,perseverance and with the conviction that Macedonia deserves progress. We, in VMRO-DPMNE, have remained and will remain faithful to the fundamental provisions of our party, which are part of the great European Christian Democratic Idea. VMRO-DPMNE today is fully ready to make a leading contribution to the renewal of the country's unity, to be the promoter of its new development cycle, of its economic progress, to lead a new stage in the development of national and cultural life and identity as part of Europe and the European idea, to lead Macedonia in the beginning of building a true system of values and to bring Macedonia into the European Union and NATO. Dear citizens! Our enduring values mean that we believe in trust among people, sharing responsibility, encouraging and promoting freedom, and supporting institutions and cultures. Gone are the days of overpriced ideologues and false myths. Gone are the days of lies and despair! The time has come for a new concept of development and progress, a time in which we will embed our enduring values in the new challenges. I can see a real desire and passion in our country for new ideas and new leadership. I can see a willingness to activate all forces in Macedonia in order to make it happenProgress and economic development in order to get out of this crisis in which we have been for a decade and a half. We all know that good politics comes from trust. In order for Macedonia to be led towards a better future, some blockages must be overcome and some clear messages must be sent. Trust must be given to us, and we must all be restored to our trust! In 2002, the SDSM managed to win the election and your confidence. They promised great things. They didn't! Four years later, it turned out that there was a real disappointment with the SDSM's election. Your trust is something that no one must let down, it is something sacred and you must not allow it to be abused. Too many people in our country are burdened with existential problems. Their fate is in doubt. There is no such thing as economic efficiency. The state stands. Ah, there is power! We are that force, together with you! We're going to take great steps forward! Dear citizens! Our challenge in this election is precisely to make sure that we provide a serious alternative in order to offer Macedonia a fresh start to progressand development. This means two things. First, we must feel within us the voice of change, optimism and hope, we must feel the strength of Macedonia ourselves. Secondly, we must develop new ideas, which we will embed in our ambitions for Macedonia. REBIRTH IN 100 STEPS Above all, we must show that the changes we are making are in the long term, that is, that they will last. Just as our will and will continue to endure that emanates from our tradition, just as our quest to make Makedonia a better place to live endures and will last. And, we must show that our ideas will improve your lives and that together we will build a better Macedonia. Our ideas and our vision for Macedonia are in this program. This program has a single goal: the revival of Macedonia! A revival of her spirit, a revival of her vitality, a revival of her essence, a revival of her faith! Dear citizens, Macedonia needs joint direction and motivation of forces. Macedonia needs a stable, trustworthy and professional government, which will put its energy and potential in motion. The program that is in front of you confirms that it isIt is possible to do this, and VMRO-DPMNE knows that together we will succeed! Let's take this chance! Let's show the strength of Macedonia and take great strides forward! Let's work together! Let's work for Macedonia! Nikola Gruevski President of VMRO-DPMNE__ | 2 | 93 |
https://www.delfi.lt/video/aktualijos/d-grybauskaite-noriu-ir-privalau.d?id=63914972 2014-02-03 Dear people of Lithuania, five years ago the broken windows of the Seimas sounded to me as an obligation. Then I decided that I wanted and could help Lithuania overcome the difficult times and stabilize the situation in the country. I fulfilled my duty and pursued my goals, without succumbing to any influences. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has supported and joined the path of transparency and justice that we have been following throughout this difficult period for Lithuania. During these years, lithuania's economy recovered, the financial system strengthened. We have become respected in the international community and have won the necessary guarantees of military security. We began to trust ourselves more and ourselves. After many trials, success begins to accompany us again. We have every opportunity for a faster and broader step towards economic prosperity. We have secured a great deal of European support, we are developing modern and competitive businesses, we are leading from the cobweb of corruption, and we are rapidly on the path of energy self-sufficiency. However, as Lithuania recovers, the forces that are destroying and plundering our state are also activated, both externally and internally. They sow destruction and distrust of Lithuania, stop the most important projects for the development of the state, and undermine democratic and constitutional values. The oligarchic formations that have taken on new forms divide and divide Lithuania, delaying the hopes of a better life for all of us. Economic recovery must reach every home, every human being, and not settle in the pockets of oligarchic groups. Therefore, I want and must help Lithuania to become a country of opportunities for honest people. So that Lithuania does not walk away, so that our freedom and prosperity are notstolen or exchanged. Duty to Lithuania and its people is more important to me than personal peace. Therefore, I do not hesitate to choose a job for you and, as an independent candidate, I will again participate in the elections for the President of Lithuania. I invite you to unite and work together all honest people of Lithuania, civic communities, non-governmental organizations, the strongest minds of the state, responsible businessmen and transparent political forces. We must come together today and build our own state, so that Lithuania becomes a home where it is both good to grow up and grow old is not afraid. We will continue to be successful if we confidently follow the path of an independent, transparent, world-respected, democratic and just state for every lithuanian person. Together, we, Lithuania, can do more. Thank you for your attention. Dalia Grybauskaite, President of the Republic of Lithuania | 1 | 77 |
Name of politician: Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Title of Speech: Pak Lah leads anti-Anwar charge Date of Speech: 5 March 2009 Category: Campaign Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm-ZUwdFfJE Anwar Ibrahim and the opposition party, I don't have to talk about Anwar Ibrahim. He is not important to me. He is not important to UMNO. He has no friends in UMNO because he is against the party, he is against the UMNO party. We can't accept it, he wants to go back and become a member, he can't, no way. We are not inadequate leaders in UMNO. We have enough of leaders to lead UMNO, we don't have to wait for him to come back. They make various promises. They know they are not a government so they can promise anything without responsibility, but what we can promise you is what we can deliver and it will be good for you and for BN. The opposition parties have started to play racist politics, politics that poke, politics that calls for breakup. Some groups say, Indians should not support UMNO. UMNO cannot be strong, we will have a hard time, he said. If UMNO people listen, UMNO people will be angry. If UMNO people react, don't support the Indians? What will happen? In the end, there are no candidates, no representativesfor the Indians. Only then do we know what will happen. The people(?) will lose. But who is playing politics? Who is playing politics? The group that wants to suppress this, the group that plays politics (?). I know, I heard, that is not good politics, it's stupid politics to learn from Indians not to support UMNO. He doesn't know why the Malays are angry. He wants to surround MIC, our old friend. DAP is also playing that. DAP, it is a party that is not racist, not a racist party, but look at the number of parties. It can be said that this is a party whose members are Chinese, Chinese people. Malaysians are quite Chinese and they are more concerned, giving things, giving points of view related to the Chinese. He wants to fight MCA because the government does not like MCA. Every time DAP rises, MCA will suffer. It is common to do so, in Penang it has happened like that. You remember that? You suffer because of their politics. It is not the Malays who can make it difficult for the Chinese. It's not Indians who make it difficult for the Chinese. But DAP is playing politics, Chinese racial politics. | 1 | 79 |
Barack Obama
Campaign 2008
March 18, 2008
Philadelphia
“We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.”
Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.
The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.
Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution – a Constitution that had at its very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.
And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part – through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.
This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign – to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for our children and our grandchildren.
This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story.
I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I’ve gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world’s poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners – an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.
It’s a story that hasn’t made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts – that out of many, we are truly one.
Throughout the first year of this campaign, against all predictions to the contrary, we saw how hungry the American people were for this message of unity. Despite the temptation to view my candidacy through a purely racial lens, we won commanding victories in states with some of the whitest populations in the country. In South Carolina, where the Confederate Flag still flies, we built a powerful coalition of African Americans and white Americans.
This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either “too black” or “not black enough.” We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well.
And yet, it has only been in the last couple of weeks that the discussion of race in this campaign has taken a particularly divisive turn.
On one end of the spectrum, we’ve heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it’s based solely on the desire of wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. On the other end, we’ve heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike.
I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy. For some, nagging questions remain. Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely – just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed.
But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country – a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam.
As such, Reverend Wright’s comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems – two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all.
Given my background, my politics, and my professed values and ideals, there will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation are not enough. Why associate myself with Reverend Wright in the first place, they may ask? Why not join another church? And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way
But the truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man. The man I met more than twenty years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor. He is a man who served his country as a U.S. Marine; who has studied and lectured at some of the finest universities and seminaries in the country, and who for over thirty years led a church that serves the community by doing God’s work here on Earth – by housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
In my first book, Dreams From My Father, I described the experience of my first service at Trinity:
“People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend’s voice up into the rafters….And in that single note – hope! – I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion’s den, Ezekiel’s field of dry bones. Those stories – of survival, and freedom, and hope – became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. Our trials and triumphs became at once unique and universal, black and more than black; in chronicling our journey, the stories and songs gave us a means to reclaim memories that we didn’t need to feel shame about…memories that all people might study and cherish – and with which we could start to rebuild.”
That has been my experience at Trinity. Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety – the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity’s services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America.
And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions – the good and the bad – of the community that he has served diligently for so many years.
I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.
These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love.
Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I can assure you it is not. I suppose the politically safe thing would be to move on from this episode and just hope that it fades into the woodwork. We can dismiss Reverend Wright as a crank or a demagogue, just as some have dismissed Geraldine Ferraro, in the aftermath of her recent statements, as harboring some deep-seated racial bias.
But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America – to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality.
The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through – a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.
Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. As William Faulkner once wrote, “The past isn’t dead and buried. In fact, it isn’t even past.” We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.
Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven’t fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today’s black and white students.
Legalized discrimination - where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments – meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today’s urban and rural communities.
A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one’s family, contributed to the erosion of black families – a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods – parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement – all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us.
This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. What’s remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them.
But for all those who scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream, there were many who didn’t make it – those who were ultimately defeated, in one way or another, by discrimination. That legacy of defeat was passed on to future generations – those young men and increasingly young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future. Even for those blacks who did make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicians, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician’s own failings.
And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright’s sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races.
In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience – as far as they’re concerned, no one’s handed them anything, they’ve built it from scratch. They’ve worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.
Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.
Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.
This is where we are right now. It’s a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naïve as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy – particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.
But I have asserted a firm conviction – a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice if we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.
For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances – for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man who's been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for own lives – by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny.
Ironically, this quintessentially American – and yes, conservative – notion of self-help found frequent expression in Reverend Wright’s sermons. But what my former pastor too often failed to understand is that embarking on a program of self-help also requires a belief that society can change.
The profound mistake of Reverend Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country – a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know -- what we have seen – is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed. Not just with words, but with deeds – by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper.
In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world’s great religions demand – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother’s keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister’s keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.
For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle – as we did in the OJ trial – or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright’s sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she’s playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.
We can do that.
But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we’ll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.
That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, “Not this time.” This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can’t learn; that those kids who don’t look like us are somebody else’s problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.
This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don’t have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together.
This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn’t look like you might take your job; it’s that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit.
This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should’ve been authorized and never should’ve been waged, and we want to talk about how we’ll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.
I would not be running for President if I didn’t believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation – the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election.
There is one story in particularly that I’d like to leave you with today – a story I told when I had the great honor of speaking on Dr. King’s birthday at his home church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta.
There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there.
And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that’s when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.
She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.
She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too.
Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother’s problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn’t. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.
Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they’re supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who’s been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he’s there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, “I am here because of Ashley.”
“I’m here because of Ashley.” By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children.
But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the two-hundred and twenty one years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins.
| 0 | 22 |
CHAVEZ IN THE RAIN IN HIS SPEECH OCTOBER 4 CLOSING OF THE CAMPAIGN. - Today, a special program, dedicated to the supreme leader, to the highest commander, that man who moved, who moved that floor to capitalism and has given struggles and if we give his example of struggles in the world. We have a special video, pay close attention to it, dedicated to Commander Chávez, let's go with the video and in a while we'll be back. Hugo Chávez: Sing with me. I'm going to tell you something, this Bolivarian avalanche that has been sweeping the country in recent weeks, in the last few days, now we have to turn it into an avalanche of votes next Sunday. Let us not have a single patriotic vote left, everyone to vote for Chávez on October 7. Everyone should get up very early and vote very early so that by noon Chávez's victory will be unquestionable. We are going to beat up the bourgeoisie, it is going to be a great victory, the Bolivarian victory, the popular victory but we have to achieve that with the votes, from very early I repeat Diana's touch, what time is it? Atfour, at three in the morning a good coffee, a chocolate, a breakfast and everyone to vote for the future. To vote for life, to vote for Chávez. Thank God, thank you. José Vicente Rangel, I was interviewed a few days ago and we talked about the weather, well, a long time has passed, in this battle. We come from afar, we come from afar, this battle of ours is long, this battle of ours has been going on this earth for more than 500 years. Here we are the children of the guaicapuro, who feels here guaicaipuro, we are all guaicaipuro and his war cry against the Spanish empire, Ana Karina Rote, that's where we come from, from the aboriginal resistance, from the Indian resistance, from the black resistance, from the exploited, from the dominated of always. The battle has been long, we are the children of Simón Bolívar. The daughters of Simón Bolívar. We are the patriots of July 5, April 19, we are the soldiers of José Félix Rivas in La Victoria, that is us. Men and women of today, we are from the guts of Exequiel Zamora and his cry "Free lands and men". We are the children ofthe cavalry and miasanta charges and the last horsemen. The day that we have been fighting is long. "I paint your light and your aroma on my skin, the foam of the sea I do not envy the flight or the alturbial nest, I feel the Caribbean, I am like this to be the volcano and when I walk and the murmur of the plain is a song" Viva Venezuela. -Hurrah. Hugo Chávez: Thanks to God and thanks to the heroic people of Bolívar, Venezuela rose from the dead and today the homeland lives, the homeland young girl, the homeland young boy and for nothing in the world we are going to allow them to annihilate Venezuela again. And that is, that is what is at stake on October 7, we are risking the life of Venezuela. The life of Venezuela is at stake and we, or rather, in our hands, the life of the homeland is not going to be lost. I am completely sure and above all, in the hands of today's Venezuelan youth, the future of the homeland will not be lost. For my part, I will continue with you my next government begins on Monday, October 8, begins onChávez's next government. We have managed to save the homeland in the last ten years, let's put it that way, and we have laid the foundations for a future. Venezuela was a hungry country, today there is no hunger in Venezuela. Thanks to the revolution and today all the people are fed in a dignified way, the children, the Venezuelan family, but here 20 years ago there was hunger, poverty and misery. Look, in just ten years we have reduced poverty by more than half, but in the next six years we want to bring misery to zero in the homeland of Bolívar. The great MERCAL mission, for example, who has not benefited here from the great MERCAL mission, barrio adentro, here there were no doctors for the people, nor health for the people, until Barrio Adentro arrived. Do you think that a government of the machuque would promote the neighborhood? Would you promote the MERCAL mission? Of course not, you believe that a government of the bourgeoisie would promote the Venezuelan housing mission. Well, on the other hand, the government of Chávez is going to ensure that in the next six years there is not a family left without decent housing in Venezuela. The same happens with unemployment, which was almost20% and we have lowered it to 7%, but young Venezuelans when the next government of Chávez ends, in 2019 there should not be a single unemployed person in Venezuela, full employment, education, education, we have created 22 new U in the last 10 years in Venezuela. And we're going to create more than ten new U's in the next six years. Do you think that a government of the bourgeoisie would support the public ones? - No. Hugo Chávez: To the Sucre mission. When I came to government there were about 500,000 young high school graduates without a place in the U's, today we are in fifth place in the world in terms of university enrollment. Health, housing, food, work, they realize why we are talking about the life of the country, what is at stake. It is the life of the people that is at stake, the future that is at stake, boys, girls. With God's favor, and your help, Chavez will not fail the Venezuelan youth. Chávez will not fail the Venezuelan people. Well, compañeros, compañeras, dear brothers, dear sisters, we have been bathed in holy water by the cord of San Francisco. Today is St. Mary's DayFrancis, right? St. Francis who was rich and gave all his wealth to the poor and became a saint. St. Francis who asked God to make him an instrument of peace. This is how we are like St. Francis, instruments of peace for a people, instruments of life. With this rain of St. Francis, we consider ourselves blessed by the hand of God, of Christ the Redeemer, the holy water of St. Francis has fallen on us. That is a prelude to what is going to happen on Sunday, October 7. Win the state on October 7, the homeland wins, see you on October 7 there at the polling stations, there where the photo of Chávez is, go there to vote for life, to vote for the future, to vote for the homeland, to vote for dignity. Until victory always!! Long live the homeland!! Long live Venezuela!! Long live youth!! Long live the revolution!! Long live life!! Long live the joy!! Long live the future!! Long live Venezuela!! I feel your light and your aroma on my skin and the four in my heart. Long live the Venezuelan homeland!! Until victory always!! See you on Sunday, Chavez wins on the seventh ofOctober. END CHAVEZ IN THE RAIN IN HIS SPEECH OCTOBER 4 CLOSING OF THE CAMPAIGN. | 2 | 80 |
Title: Struggle against unemployment - work for all Person: Jens Stoltenberg (1959– ) Location: Youngstorget, Oslo Date: 1 May 2009 Dear everyone! Happy birthday! This year, it is 120 years since May 1 Day was instituted at the International Workers' Congress in Paris in 1889. Since then, 1 May has been a day of freedom. The slogans and demands have been different throughout these 120 years. But one slogan has been there all along. It has brought together the entire labour movement. It has been with us for 120 years. And that is: work for everyone. The wording may have varied slightly: ¿All the people at work¿ was the slogan in 1933. Since then, we have had slogans such as "Work for all" and "Fight against unemployment". But the message has always been the same: Work for everyone is job number one! * We know that unemployment is not just numbers and statistics. It affects individuals. It affects families. It affects entire communities. Now we see that unemployment is growing again. We know that it will grow even more throughout the year. The international financial crisis has developed into the most extensive economic downturn the world has seen since World War II. Our neighboring country Iceland is the country in Europe that ishardest hit by the financial crisis. Greed and unbridled speculation from a small minority inflicted enormous problems on the vast majority. Now Icelanders are turning against social democracy and the left. I have spoken to Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdadottir and wished her good luck with her difficult work. She told me that now Iceland has chosen community and solidarity. They too will now have a red-green majority government. Let's greet and congratulate our friends in Iceland! * In Norway, we have used the most powerful instruments in Europe to combat unemployment. Norway will get through this crisis with less damage than other countries. Our goal is that when this crisis is over, Norway will be left as the country with the lowest unemployment in Europe! * When the American investment bank Lehman Brothers went bankrupt last autumn, it was not just a bank that went bankrupt, it was a political ideology that went bankrupt. Market liberalism is bankrupt! It ended decades with a naïve, uncritical belief that the market takes care of itself. It doesn't. The market cannot control. It must be managed. The market cannot regulate itself. It must be regulated. For many years, we have heard the opposite message. As little regulation as possible,And the least possible state has been the chorus. Three decades of uncritical praise of the unregulated market. With deregulation and cultivation of greed. The right-wing forces' thirty years' war against the state. Now the market fundamentalists have realized that they were wrong. Now they come to us to find the answer to what went wrong. Now they are coming to the state to save the market. Finally, they have understood what we have been saying for a long time: It is the community, not the market, that must set the limits. We believe in community. Only in this way can we meet the economic downturn the world is now facing. And: this message is not outdated. Solidarity is a modern message! * It was faith in community that won the 2005 election. Voters wanted something more, something better. They chose community rather than privatization. This is one of the fundamental contradictions in Norwegian politics. We believe that strong communities give people freedom. The voters agreed with us. We want to strengthen the community, not weaken it. We say no to privatization of welfare! We want good public common schools, not a privatized differential school. * Another message that belongs to May Day is the message to invest in welfare, and not on tax cuts for the very richest. This is alsoa fundamental contradiction in Norwegian politics. In 2005, voters said yes to welfare and no to large cuts in taxes. They said yes to a new government that chose schools, health and the elderly rather than billions in tax cuts. They got a government that has spent the big money on the big tasks. And we want to move on. Norway will become an even better country to live in. We want kindergartens, schools and nursing homes. Not unfair tax cuts. We choose the community. That is why we say no to new unsocial tax cuts and yes to upgrading our common welfare! * A third fundamental difference in policy is whether we want to strengthen or weaken workers' rights. When May 1 Day was instituted, this was the most important thing. The fight for an eight-hour working day. The fight for the right to unionize. The fight for protection against unfair dismissals. But the fight for workers' rights has not been won once and for all. The stakes are still high. Our majority government has strengthened the Working Environment Act and workers' rights. We reversed the Bondevik government's dramatic and unsocial cuts in unemployment benefits, by up to NOK 20,000. We have corrected the injustice between employees who work shifts and employees who work shifts. Together with the trade union movement, we will continue to work for equal payand better conditions for low-wage earners. Voters agreed with us in 2005. In September 2009, this is again what the election is about. In 2005, the trade union movement contributed to us getting a government that works with Norwegian workers, not against them. Workers in Norway are best served by the majority government getting four more years! * We are waging the fight against social dumping with vigour. We have implemented Action Plan I against social dumping, which we launched on 1 May 2006. It has been followed up. In the national budget for 2009, we went further and presented Action Plan II against social dumping. Today, I can announce that we are taking another step. We will implement what is called ¿joint and several liability for wages¿. This means that employees who have not been paid the wages they are supposed to receive can go to the companies up a contract chain, and that they do not have to limit themselves to the company they are employed by in order to get their money. This is a very powerful measure to ensure that salaries are paid as assumed in the areas that are so-called generally applicable. Next Friday, the Government will therefore present a bill on joint and several liability for wage claims.seriousness in working life. The trade union movement has been demanding this for a long time. The employers' side has been opposed. But for this government, consideration for workers' rights is most important. We say no to a two-tier labour market. We say no to all forms of social dumping! * We use community to face the effects of the international financial crisis. We must also use the community to meet the global climate crisis. This is probably a fundamental contradiction in the politics I would like to point out: The difference between those of us who believe in climate change, and that it is serious for our planet, and those who choose to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that the problem does not exist. Here, too, it is the community that is the answer to the problems. We cannot leave it to the market and free competition to ensure clean air, clean seas and a nature in balance. These problems can only be solved through strong communities and political management. We need a strong climate agreement at the summit in Copenhagen this autumn. And the rich countries must take the main responsibility for reducing the world's total emissions. We will do this by both reducing our own emissions, and helping to pay for reducing the developing countries' emissions. Norway will beA pioneering country in the fight for a better climate and a more sustainable development! * The last important difference I would like to point out today is the one that goes between building on international solidarity, or being oneself enough. We have a duty to stand up for the world's poorest! Those affected by poverty, war and conflict. In Gaza, life will go on after the brutal and unacceptable bombing this winter. From the piles of rubble left behind by what was home, people will try to build a new everyday life. They need our help to rebuild schools and homes. And they need a world that is committed to a lasting solution with two states living in peace with each other. It requires an end to the use of violence on both sides. It demands an end to the Israeli occupation! In Sri Lanka, tens of thousands of people are trapped between the front lines. One of the most brutal conflicts of our time may be coming to an end, but at a high human cost. Attempts at agreements and demands for negotiations have not been successful. Many of the Tamils in Norway are directly affected by the fact that they have relatives, friends, acquaintances and loved ones in the war zone. I understand theirdespair. On an international day of solidarity such as 1 May, our thoughts are with you in particular. Now there are two things we can do: Together with the rest of the world, we demand that civilians are not used as hostages and shields, but are allowed to escape from the war zone. And we must assist with financial help for the victims of the war in Sri Lanka! * We will also contribute to peace and development in other countries in the world, including Afghanistan. Many Norwegians do important work in military and humanitarian operations. Contributing to a fairer world is also a contribution to peace in the world. I am proud to belong to a government that has achieved the goal of giving one percent of the national product in aid to the world's poor. This is about the 1st of May day's most basic message. It is about international solidarity. * In just under 150 days, there will be an election again. We know from the opinion polls that it will be even and exciting. Then it will be decided again which direction social development should follow. Whether we should invest in the community, or in tax cuts and privatization. Whether we should leave more to the free market, or whether we should have political control. Whether we should reduceor increase the differences. Whether we should strengthen or weaken workers' rights. Whether we should work against climate change or whether we should ignore it and not believe the scientists. Whether we should contribute internationally and take responsibility for the world's poor, or whether we should be ourselves enough. For four years, we have worked to make Norway better. We have done a lot. But a lot remains to be done. I invite you to join me in taking new steps to renew, improve and change Norway. We need you all on the team until September 14th. The best guarantee that the values of 1 May Day will characterise social development is that the majority government will be allowed to continue. That's why we say on this 1st of May day: Four more years! | 1 | 75 |
Country: India
Leader: Narendra Modi
Type: Campaign
Name of the speech: Varanasi rally speech
Date: Dec 20, 2013
Source:
Bharat Mata ki. Present on the stage National President of Bhartiya Janata Party and the son of this soil Sri Rajnath Singh Ji, our guide and senior party leader, respected Murali Manohar Joshi Ji, Uttar Pradesh BJP Sriman Laxmikant Vajpayee Ji, Sri Kalaraj Mishra Ji, senior leader respected Sri Kalyan Singh Ji, Sri Om Praksh Singh Ji, Sri Amit Bhai Shah Ji, Rameshwar Chaurasia Ji, Sri Trivendra Ji Rawat, respected Lalji Tandon Ji, Sri Keshari Nath Tripathi Ji, Sri Ramapati Ji, Sri Surya Pratap Ji, all the senior party leaders present on the dais, I welcome all of you who all came from far fringes of Kashi area and I bow to sea of humanity arrived in large numbers here.
I come from the land of Somnath and am here to take blessings of Baba Vishwanath. Brothers and sisters, this is happening perhaps the first time in the history of Indian democracy when there is such an atmosphere much ahead of the elections. Brothers and Sisters, it all happens during the election time. Political parties become more active-politics of allegations and counter allegations-parties tries to expand their political bases. But It is first time that the common man in Hindustan becomes aggressive and keen to uproot the government in Delhi. And I can see - the elections in 2014 will not be fought by any political party or the individual leadership, the elections will be fought by the people of the country--by the every electorate of this nation.
Brothers and Sisters, in the past the and future too - India's description, without Ganga can not be complete. For others Ganga can be a river, but for us it is our mother, not just a river-Our Mother. Ganga isn't mere a flow of water, it depicts our culture. Brothers and sisters, many proposals on cleaning and preserving the Ganga have come up. Crores were spent. I ask you, is the money flowing with the Ganga? The government could have at least stopped the deteriorating water quality of Ganges, with this wealth, but it has been unable to. Those who can't handle Ganga, how will they manage the country.
The UPA govt made a scheme to clean the Ganga with lot enthusiasm. A lot of campaigning was done and people thought something will be done - People have had faith in them and brought them in to power. But my dear brother and sisters from Uttar Pradesh - I wanted to tell the nation from this sacred land of Ganga, that in the last five years no step was taken by the government sitting in Delhi, except holding three meetings.
I request the Central government and the Prime Minister to share detailed accounts with people and answer them on how much were spent on the project to clean Ganga, The Congress has used the Ganga for vote-bank politics since the days of Rajiv Gandhi.
Thousands of crore rupees has been taken out of the treasury - the people of the country demands to know what have you done to restore river Ganga to pristine conditions? When, how and - yes for whom?
Brothers and sisters - you tell me that on the issue of Ganga - in the name of this river the citizens have been made fool of - they have been kept in the dark - they have been cheated. Brothers and sisters should you re-elect such sinners who have fouled up such a pious project?
Speak up - should you elect to government the ones who have played with the sanctity of the Ganges - those who have misled you?
Brothers and sisters don't make this mistake - the Ganga is not polluted only because of pollutants in Uttar Pradesh - actually to cleanse the Ganga you have to clean Delhi - you have to clean Lucknow - then the Ganga will be cleaned. As long as these people are in power there is no chance of cleaning the Ganga. These days people ask me - mostly people who want Congress to survive - so that they can survive. These defenders of Congress ask - Modi ji what shall you do? I shall get things done and show you. And people who ask me what I can do - make time for a day and come to Gujarat - come to the soil of Ahmedabad and stand by the Sabarmati riverfront. The same Sabarmati - the one which has the name of Mahatma Gandhi associated - had become almost like a drain - come today and see - Sabarmati is full to the top with the waters of Narmada.
Brothers and sisters - tell me do you believe that Ganga can be cleaned - if Sabarmati could have been cleaned - couldn't the same be done to Ganga? If Sabarmati can influence life in Gujarat cant the Ganga influence lives in India?
Brothers and sisters we do not make false promises - Brothers and sisters of UP, we do not promise we have made up our mind on action - the land is tired of promises - words and advices - the country wants action. We would like to assure you that we will make good our words.
Brothers and sisters some people think that Uttar Pradesh is crucial to politics of India because without help from UP nobody can come to power - brothers and sisters - such thoughts insult UP - is UP useful only there for adding up numbers - is it useful only to clobber together a government? My thoughts are not that limited - it's not the question of governments - if you want stability in India - it cannot happen without a stable UP. If India is to develop - UP must be developed too - if you have to root out unemployment from India you cannot do it without rooting out unemployment in UP. If India is hungry - it is UP that appeased that hunger. We must not associate UP only with the number of MPs it sends - UP can become the destiny changer for India (Bhagya Vidhata) - UP can attain heights of development and be an example for India. As such for the BJP- UP is not a political playground - for us, UP is the ground where the story of India's future can be scripted.
Brothers and sisters I have a firm belief in the strength of the people of this place -It is people for this land that once dreamt of Ram Rajya . If people are not skilled, how would Ram Rajya be possible? The ability, tradition and culture to usher in Ram Rajya was - and is exists in the people of UP. You have a proud history - so what is the trouble? The trouble is that you have not elected the right government and leader. If you choose the right leader then I firmly believe that you have it in you to act as the engine of development in the country.
Brothers and sisters The farmers of UP - alone - can - like they did when Lal Bahadur Shastri coined 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'- filled the food bowls of India - farmers from UP - can single handedly feed the whole of Europe. But look at the state of things - leaders and government - the farmers who once fed India doesn't have enough on his plate. The farmer - producing rice - will feed some poor - farmer ploughs his field to feed all - even animals and birds. But brothers and sisters when farmers come to know that his rice and whet are getting spoiled on railway platforms - it hurts their feelings. A farmer's real pleasure is in knowing that his labour had fed hungry mouths. This is something the government in Delhi can't seem to realise. The Supreme Court orders disbursement of grains amongst poor but the government refuses to comply but sell it in subsidized rates to liquor manufacturers. Doesn't it hurt the feelings of our farmers? I am flabbergasted can any government act like this? This is an insult to our agrarians and farmers and a cruel joke on the plight of the poor.
Brothers and sisters elections come and they start preparing - you know there are some students whose faith increases proportionately as exams approach - the Congress acts similarly - as soon as election comes - the poor come into focus. If they had some real love and respect for the poor - some sympathy for them then this would not have been the state of affairs for the poor of the country. Some forty five years power has been centered around a single family - they are responsible for the state of the poor.
Brothers and sisters - I don't have to travel somewhere to see poverty - my childhood was spent in poverty. I am stunned at the amount of contempt they have for the poor in their mind - one UPA leader even said that a tea vendor cannot become the PM of India. Tell me is vending tea - a crime - is standing up on your own two feet - being self sufficient - is it a crime - a sin - a taint? I am flabbergasted - these leaders who speak of poor - how can a tea seller become a PM? If the people want then even a labourer can become a PM - a shoeshine boy can become PM too. Based on my own principles let me tell you all - I am proud of selling tea - I haven't sold the country. This is how they make fun of the poor and their poverty. And one of their leaders - well he says - poverty is nothing but a state of mind. When you are unable to light the stove in the evenings and hungry children cry themselves to sleep - then you know poverty - what do they know? Small children work to feed their parents - but they - people who mock the poor. This arrogance of those people who consider poor is in their pockets and the welfare of poor is not going to happen and I want to tell the poor, it will be our first duty to throw away those people who have exploited you till now.
Just now Rajnath Ji was saying that he is pained to hear that leaders from Congress call BJP leader thieves. Congress can say anything. If we collect all that Congress leaders are saying and print it than we will be shocked. Is this their sansakara? Is this the language they use?
But I want to tell Congress leaders, you call us thieves. We accept your allegation. Yes, we are thieves; we have stolen the sleep of the Congress. We have stolen the peace of the Congress. Now we will not let the people sit in peace who have plundered this country since independence.
Brothers and Sisters, I want to ask you, I want to ask elders here who spend their lives with problems - do they want to give this India to your children? Do you want to force your children to live in poverty? Do you want that your children remain unemployed? Do you want to press your children to leave their homes and live in slums of the cities?
Brothers and Sisters, a few days ago a Muslim from here wrote to me. He said - I have to share a problem with you. You are coming to Varanasi, please mention one of our problems in your speech. He wrote that he lives in a Muslim colony and there are small power loom factories producing Silk Sarees. He said, he is unable to sleep in night, problems are there, please find a solution. He expressed his anguish. Brothers and Sisters, this Banarasi Saree not only protects modesty of our women, it also has a potential to save dignity of Indian economy.
Such a big industry, it has a potential to employ lakhs of people but they have destroyed it. The friend who wrote to me may be here in the crowd or listening to my speech on television. Brothers, there's a solution to this problem. Kashi and Surat share old bond. There is hearsay, death in Kashi and food in Surat. Surat too, like Kashi has big power loom industry. At one point in time, if you walk on the roads in Surat, either in the morning or evening, the noise of power loom even subsides the noise of your scooter. Brothers and Sister, we started a campaign and within ten years we technologically upgraded the industry. We established many big industrial complexes outside Surat city. Brothers and Sister, noiseless machines are available in the market these days. Today, due to up gradation of the technology we have been able to improve the quality as well as quantity of the production. Brothers and Sisters, this can be achieved in Varanasi as well. Those who ask me what the vision of Modi is? This is the truth, go and see it for yourself.
Brothers and Sisters, if intentions are noble and I feel if the Saree industry of Varanasi would have been technologically upgraded than it alone could have provided employment to lakhs of youth in the country. They would have had not been forced to leave. But policies of the government are such that they import yarn from China but do not care about the livelihood of Saree manufacturers of Varanasi. Their policies are such that has led to this situation.
Brothers and Sisters, possibly there is no village in the Poorvanchal from where youth are not living in Gujarat. Tell me friends, why this situation came that youths here have to leave their villages, leave their parents? If Uttar Pradesh would have developed they would not have been forced to leave their villages, their homes, their friends, their old parents.
Brothers and Sisters, due to unemployment today youth are staring at a bleak future. He is distressed, where to go, whose hands to hold, who will save him.
Tell me friends, what is the first thing that comes to your mind after seeing job advertisement? The first thing that comes to your mind is recommendation. Didn't you look for recommendation? There isn't guarantee of getting a job without recommendation. There is no possibility of getting a job without paying a bribe. Isn't this dishonesty? Is there solution to this problem or not? I have a solution. Those protectors of the Congress who question about my vision, I wasn't to say them this. Friends, once we had to recruit 13000 teachers in Gujarat. 1-2 lakh applications are normal for such a big recruitment. What we did, we gave an advertisement and registered all the candidates online, and with the help of computer we short listed 13000 candidates with highest marks. I passed the order to recruit them. Brothers, if decisions are made on the basis of merit and there is no interview than this whole issue of corruption and recommendation can be solved. And the right person will get the job. I started this as a pilot project in Gujarat and we got success. No one has raised finger on the process. And I feel every youth, no matter how much he is educated he can't survive on his certificate. He is in constant search for a recommendation.
Brothers and Sisters youth need dignity. He wants to free himself from a life where he has to spread his hands for every need. The youth of my country can change the destiny of India. The government needs to trust the youth and I am here with this trust. I want to tell the youth of this country that there is no dearth of opportunities. Country needs manpower be it in agriculture, manufacturing or service sector. The youth of this country can make India an economic superpower.
My young friends, I am coming with a guarantee of your future. If we cannot guarantee the future of our youth then nothing can be done. Destiny of India is in the hand of her youth. Youth wants opportunity and BJP has come with a resolve to provide opportunity to the youth. Brothers and Sisters, People are uprooting the Congress and electing BJP governments and this is the proof that we have stood up to the expectations of the people.
Brothers and Sisters, I have been visiting various parts of Uttar Pradesh. The massive gathering I am witnessing everywhere gives me trust that the people of the country wants to uproot the government in Delhi. The people don't want to tolerate the government in Delhi. Brothers and Sisters, let's make a resolve to change the destiny of India. Congress free India would have to be created. Congress free India is the only guarantees of poverty free India. Congress free India is the guarantees of unemployment free India. To get rid of poverty, unemployment, starvation deaths, corruption we will have to free India of the Congress party and we are here with that dream.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai. | 2 | 100 |
Victor's speech at the University of Physical Education April 9, 2002 http://www.gemenc.hu/sajtoklub/TestnevEgy.htm I thought, when I was preparing to come to you and to you, that I had to come because there would be many of us here, but I would have to meet many tired, sad and somewhat apostate people who were waiting for me... And I thought my job would be to try to give each of us faith, strength, and will again. Compared to this, I stand here now moved, a little embarrassed and moved, like little children usually do when they don't know what to do on their birthday with all the love. Well, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends! In fact, I have come here for a calm, serious and reserved, and consequently frank, conversation with all of you. I would like to say things that should only be said calmly, calmly and only very seriously. First of all, before I get to the heart of what I have to say, let me also, of course, fulfil my obligation to thank everyone here in Budapest, here in Buda and throughout the country who decided on Sunday to support civic unity and the future of civic Hungary represented by civic cooperation. On behalf of all of us, I would like to thank all citizens Hungary all citizens who support a civic Hungary for the faith, hope and love we have received in recent weeks. Well, then, ladies and gentlemen,Dear friends, let us answer the first question: why did we come together? We have three reasons to be here today. First, we are here because we all know that together we are strong. Secondly, we are here to clarify honestly among ourselves what situation we are in. And thirdly, we have come together because we all need to know what we need to do to achieve what we have joined forces for, namely how we can win the elections on the 21st. Well, let's start at the beginning. Let's start at the beginning. The election was not decided two days ago, on Sunday, but simplified for all of us. We felt that even on Sunday morning we felt that thanks to the work of the past four years, the attractiveness of the future that can be built on it, and the predictions, we have reason to hope that we can take our common cause to victory already in the first round. Or, if not for victory, at least we will be able to achieve a convincing superiority. Moreover, it seemed that not only did we think so, it was not only our opinion, but according to forecasts, the country also expected the victory of our common cause. That is not what happened. I have spoken to several people who have been disappointed, sad and even said that the work we have done may feel futile. Well, well, first of all, to themI would like to speak and ask them, and all of us here, not to measure Sunday's elections against our expectations, but instead to start from the fact of the result of the elections itself, which is what follows. In terms of list elections, our main rival, the MSZP, had an advantage of about 0.9 percent, i.e. less than 1 percent. In individual districts, we won 20 seats and they won 25 seats in the first round. In Budapest they won by a significant margin, and let us admit that only in a few districts did we have a realistic chance of gaining the trust of the majority of citizens there. That's the bad news for Sunday. On the other side of the scale, we can find that we won in 12 counties and they won in 7. On the other side of the scale, 2 million 300,000 people voted for civic unity and the civic programme they represent. If we want to understand this, this figure, dear friends, we should also recall that in 1998, when the civic Hungary once again received confidence and chance, the three parties together – the Hungarian Democratic Forum, the Smallholders Party and the Fidesz Hungarian Civic Party – received the trust of 200,000 fewer citizens when we won than they did this Sunday. If you do this using aIf we put it in another context, I can tell you that the current coalition government is the first to receive the trust and votes of more people after four years of government than when it won the election. The previous government, which was also a coalition government, lost 1 million votes after four years of government, and we added 200,000 to the '98 government. It is only appropriate, therefore, that we should appreciate this, and we can safely say that there are more of us than ever before, but there were not enough of us. This is the summary of Sunday. Well, that's how we stand. What do we need to do, how do we move forward in order to form a parliamentary majority and a coalition capable of governing? What I can tell you, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, is that on Sunday, the 21st, we will decide on the fate of 131 individual mandates. Now everyone is asking me whether, and if so, how, it is enough to have trust, support and authority in order for civilian governance to continue. My answer is yes, there is enough support, and we also know how to get it. The recipe is as follows. Of the 131 mandates and individual mandates that can still be won, we must receive the trust of voters in 85. In order to assess the scale of the task, I can tell you, I can tell you:In 1998, the Smallholders, the Hungarian Democratic Forum and the Fidesz Hungarian Civic Party together managed to win 119 individual mandates, and now in 2002 105 mandates will be enough for a majority. This means that if we now win 85 of the 131 seats that are still open, add to it what we have already received from the citizens, which is 20 seats in individual districts, and I add to this the list results, then we will have – albeit narrowly, but – the votes needed to govern. In order to strengthen our fighting spirit and sense of reality at the same time, we must start the two weeks ahead of us in such a way that in '98, when the struggle ended with an election victory for the civilian forces, after the first round of elections we were 3 per cent behind on the list, and now this is less than 1 per cent. It is clear that the task is not only not impossible, but can be accomplished with discipline, using the power of cooperation and faith. So much for dry but essential mathematics. However, for this to happen, there are some thoughts that need to reach everywhere, even in the last corner of the country. We cannot rely on much else in this matter apart from ourselves. Therefore, it is right that we should now try to collect these ideas and then pass them on personally. Allow me, allow me,that, first of all, we need to spread the idea everywhere so that all citizens of Hungary know that everything we have worked hard for over the last four years is at risk. And here, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, however tiring it is, we need to refresh people's memories. Without memory will not do. Everyone must remember that in 1998, when we introduced the child tax allowance, the child benefit and the related education allowance, made childcare allowance subjective and reintroduced childcare, our opponents did not vote for them, everywhere they were blocked and opposed. That is why we can say that today they are again under threat. Let us say it boldly, let us say it again, not listening to what they have said, but relying on our own experience, that there is once again a risk that tuition fees will be introduced into universities and colleges. We abolished that, just in time. Today, tuition would be 200,000 forints per head per year at universities and colleges. We abolished it, and when Parliament had to decide on this – no matter what they say now – they voted against it. They voted against the abolition of tuition fees. It is good to pay attention. The situation is similar with student loans. They were pinched and obstructed to the point of torn to the point of nail-biting. We do the same with housing supportand homemaking. When we introduced a reduction in stamp duty for the purchase of the first home, and Parliament had to decide, it was not voted for. When it came to making dental care free again in the country, it was not voted for. When we said that social security contributions should be reduced, and we did reduce them, they argued against it, they voted against it. When we increased the pension, we did not vote for the pension increase – as we know from Mátyás Filterös. This is the truth! They never supported the anti-mafia law or the necessary tightening of the Criminal Code. They did not support or vote for the measures taken against drug abuse. All of us, everyone in the whole country, everyone in the whole country should know that the increase in the minimum wage, which we increased from HUF 19,500 to HUF 50,000 in two steps, was not voted for and was not supported. And we must also tell everyone the sad truth that when our country was forced to debate and fight on any national issue on the international stage, whether we had disputes with Romanians, Slovaks or the European Union, we did not turn twice, and we always found them on the side of the opposing party. This is the truth! The situation is therefore quite serious, ladies and gentlemen, and everyone in the country should know that the situation is serious.In fact, it is even more serious than what I have said so far. Because it is not just about what words were spoken in Parliament, and not just about what proposals were rejected in Parliament. The fact is that the picture of an old-new world is unfolding before our eyes clearly and intelligibly. I'm not talking about what it was before 1990. There is no reason to talk about that now. Anyone who knows knows without me talking about it. I think of the old-new world that existed between 1994 and '98, and we all experienced it firsthand. Let us not garden. Let us not mince words, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen. Every citizen of Hungary should know that if the socialists were to form a government, then in fact big capital and financial capital would form a government in Hungary. Who... We should not protest against this, but take action. Those of us who are here today, those of us here today, probably all know that. But, perhaps, there are many in the country before whom this is not so clear. And we need to be able to explain it to them. I would like to give you an example of how we can tell everyone, Hungary all citizens, what is being prepared here. It is enough to think about what has been happening on the stock market since Sunday. The price of the Hungarian oil company is soaring and its share price is soaring hour by hourrise. What made it so valuable all of a sudden? Well, ladies and gentlemen, those who have heard the statements of the leaders of the Socialists earlier will know that they have said that as a first step there will be a significant increase in gas prices. This has already been demanded on the grounds that MOL's shareholders are not sufficiently profitable. Well, well, ladies and gentlemen, just to understand, just to understand: while, on the one hand, they say that they will give pensioners a 13th month's pension, they are actually giving it so that they will have something to pay for the increased gas prices, the benefits of which we all know where they are going. Let us be under no illusions. Everywhere, throughout the country and in the whole economy, this would happen again, as it has already happened. Well, ladies and gentlemen. At the same time, let us maintain moderation and not step down from the strict laws of economics. We all know that the economy of every country, including the Hungarian economy, needs both big capital and financial capital. But we cannot entrust them with the government of the country. We cannot entrust them or entrust them because they – understandably and rightly – only look out for their own benefit. And government must benefit citizens. And that distinction must be maintained. However, the situation is even more serious. You should also know HungaryEveryone knows in every last corner that Hungary is threatened by another so-called liberal public security. This means, ladies and gentlemen, that the situation will be restored, which even the prime minister of the previous government could only say was anything but public safety. Well, in a difficult struggle, in a difficult fight, we have reduced the number of crimes, we have curbed foreign criminal groups, we have curbed organised crime, and now we have to see a return to the old situation here, too. It will be good if everyone keeps their sanity, ladies and gentlemen, when they go to the polls on Sunday. And there is another thing that is perhaps the most serious for young people. This is the issue of drugs, with which the whole civilised world is struggling, and we too have more and more to do. You have known our position for a long time. We have always said that there are things you don't have to try in life to be able to say no. If he has already done so, and if he has already done so, we must always tell him the truth that anyone who says yes to drugs is playing with the devil. Well, ladies and gentlemen, the fact is that if citizens of Hungary take a good look at our opponents' electoral programmes, they will come across the idea that drugs should be controlledto fight the need to allow the consumption of certain varieties of them. It will be good if we all keep our sanity. Moreover, ladies and gentlemen, the situation is even more serious. The fact is that it is difficult, admittedly not overnight, but in the end we have succeeded in putting together the Hungarian economic model that gives hope that within a decade or two it Hungary will catch up with the countries with the most developed economies in the world within a decade or two. This is embodied in the Széchenyi Plan, which does not try to follow Western European textbooks, does not try to follow individual examples, does not try to follow the path of a single Western European state, but tries to make use of what is possible from each of them. From this he assembles a plan, behind which lies the philosophy that was said about Széchenyi a long time ago: that his worldview is neither liberal nor conservative, nor retrograde nor progressive, but simply a Hungarian worldview. There is a Hungarian economic model based on a Hungarian worldview. There is, there is one based on the Széchenyi Plan... So we have an economic model, a Széchenyi Plan, which makes it possible for Hungarian entrepreneurs to finally become general contractors in their own countries at a time when Hungary can be built faster and more effectively. It's possible. We are threatened by the possibility that Hungarian economic policy may once again be turned towards a Bokros package on the grounds of non-existent, non-existent financial problems. Well, ladies and gentlemenGentlemen, dear friends, perhaps all of you have listened to and heard that in the weeks leading up to the first round of the election campaign – although I visited many places in the country, spoke to a great many people, held election rallies in many places – I always did so without even mentioning his name, without even talking about his plans for the forces opposing us. That was right. This was right until the first round of elections, because then our task was to show what the future is that we want, and we tried to gather as much strength, faith, will, courage and citizens as possible for this future. We must continue to do this, but it will not be enough! Therefore, we must now say them! So, dear friends, we need to say these things now, so that it is clear in everyone's mind that a great deal of fright is often worth more than advice. And let's not forget that there are many people who only realize at the end of the battle how high the stakes are. Well, it was for them that the second round was invented, ladies and gentlemen. Of course, let us be under no illusions! The situation as prime minister, which can be described as comfortable with a little exaggeration, is also over, when, after saying nothing, I have said nothing in response to the unfolding of the opponent's intentions.It is not at all desirable for us, so I was actually able to spend the three weeks we left behind in relative peace. The emphasis is on relative expression. But from now on, when we have told you what we think about the world in preparation, we must all reckon with the fact that every arrow, every tip of a spear will be pointed at us. We will have a lot of attacks. But we can only say what one of Leonidas' soldiers said when he said that from the arrows of the enemy we will not even see the sun, there are so many of them. And Leonidas replied, "Isn't it better to fight in the shadows?" Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends! What can we do if we do not want this to happen? The first thing we need to do is lower our shoulders, like in a physical education class, and exhale the used air. This is the most important thing. Then take a fresh and deep breath. Then think again about what is really important in your life. Because in order to fight, we need to know what is really important to us in life. And I am very confident, I am very confident that today those who have come together here in this hall are the ones I warmly welcome and there are thousands of people outside of them, first and foremost... Well, well thatI think they're people who think life isn't always easy. In fact, there are times when it's downright difficult. But life is more than just a struggle for subsistence. And what is more, what makes it truly beautiful and important to us is our family, our children, our human dignity, our freedom, our faith and our country. And we must defend all this now! Therefore, therefore, let us persevere, strengthen our spirits, and struggle. Firstly, let us convince others and say everywhere what we have heard together here today. Let us vote for the second time, as we did last Sunday. And thirdly, everyone should bring one more person with them to the next round of elections. One more person! And let's tell everyone that we were here tonight and we all experienced that we can trust not only ourselves, but also each other. We can all feel that something has begun here today. On Saturday afternoon, at 3 p.m. on Saturday of this week, all this will continue at Kossuth Square. I invite all the citizens of Hungary there. So we have to repeat this many times throughout the country, so that the whole country can hear that what started here tonight will continue on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Kossuth Square. On Kossuth SquareLadies and gentlemen are welcome to visit every citizen Hungary every citizen who believes in their future and wants to influence their future at 3 o'clock on Saturday at Kossuth Square. And we will continue to do so until election night. There must be more of us every day. What has started here today must continue until the 21st, so that on 21 April we can say that not only are there many of us in the elections, but that there have been enough. Go Hungary! Go Hungarians! | 0 | 28 |
Pepe Lobo - Campaign Launch at Tegucigalpa Headquarters Sep 2, 2009 Thank you very much for your trust, for your faith and above all for the civic stature shown by all the leadership of the National Party of Honduras, to all my compatriots. Everywhere we go we find friends from different parties, of different tendencies and opinions and that is the world of today. A world in which there is room for all ideas and let's understand it that way, and just as my Rosa told me, everyone, everyone. Long live Honduras! For all, long live Honduras. Without a doubt, today is not the beginning of a political campaign as it has always been. Today is the beginning of a new era. An era that we marked when we said: Honduras needs a change now! Yesterday we were with my Rosa, with Marie Antoinette (my friend Roberto's), just as I was with the great Diana Valladares (our friend Laún's). And we were there in Huajiquiro at an event organized by the women led by that extraordinary fighter for women, Loti de García. And I did it because the women there in La Paz, with that great leaderGladys Aurora López Calderón, along with the deputies who were present, Trino Suazo and Rubén Suazo. And there we were sharing with the next mayor of Hajiquiro, with Benancio, as well as with the president of the Local Committee, Hipólito, and the others. And with all of them it was a great joy for us to be able to begin there in Huajiquiro the road to the presidency, the path to bring peace to the nation and unity to the Honduran family. Today we Hondurans must have a goal and I know that it has been difficult for many to understand and understand. And they have always claimed that there are no firm positions and I told them: well, what nails do you want me to stand on. I tell you today, I feel very happy, very proud that we have maintained the position in the party that neither with one nor with the other. With Honduras, with Honduras, because Honduras belongs to everyone. And I want us to understand well. And I want that today that we are here in Tegucigalpa we begin this campaign; where María Antonieta, campaign coordinator doing other campaign tasks; wherever Mayor Ricardo Álvarez is, where he is starting his campaign covering potholes in the capital; I meanall of them; and to say to all my compatriots: for the National Party of Honduras there is a fundamental objective, to unite the Honduran family and bring peace to the nation, peace to Honduras. And I am talking about the dialogue that we have proposed since the beginning of this crisis, if on November 29 God and the Honduran people elect us as their president, we are going to initiate a process of dialogue that is broad, that includes all sectors, everyone. No one can be excluded from this dialogue because Honduras belongs to everyone and the responsibility is to bring the benefit to the Honduran family to Honduras. And that the postulates that we have proposed to bring a decent income to families, through the generation of jobs and decisive support for production in the countryside; what education is, with that ten thousand bonus that is direct and immediate aid that we are going to take to families so that children and young people are better off; than health insurance; that broad scholarships for children, for young people; that bilingual education thatWe will do, and that we will allow Honduras to cease to be the privilege of a few, and that all my compatriots, children and young people, can also have the right to learn English. I can tell you that security, which we have pointed out as the third axis, is fundamental for us. There can be no prosperity, there can be no economic growth with equity as we yearn for, if there is no security. Peace in the nation needs to have security. Because I want young people to be free, to enjoy the fullness of their youth and healthy activities. I want to, I greet my friend Grín there, a live representative of the ethnic groups. Yesterday with the Lenca here and today here with the Garifuna, my friend Grín is there. A round of applause for the Garifuna of Honduras. And I want to tell you that at the beginning of the government there in the National State, the mandate that I am going to give to the next Minister of Security, Óscar Álvarez, is to go and pursue criminals and put them in order. Because Honduras has to be at peace. I want them to understand me and understand me. My words and my proposals and what we concretized together with an extraordinary team ofgovernment, are born from the depths of my heart. It is not a speech that I have been told: say this because it is what the people want. It is because you remember that in this long struggle of much understanding and much sacrifice. And I tell you the following, yesterday as you said, it was stolen from us. Today in 2009, let them forget, the people are not going to have their rights taken away. And I know that there are many plans that he has out there and I want to make it clear this morning, we are not going to be deceived, we are not going to allow the will of the Honduran people to be twisted. We are going to go to the elections with civility. Remember 2005. Even with the doubts, we said, "we accept that the president is Mel Zelaya, we accept that the vice president is Alvín Santos, because the presidency of the republic is not worth a drop of blood spilled by a compatriot." We said so in 2005. And we said, and we also said, and we also said, the presidency is not worth the abnormal democratic development of Honduras. And there are several threats. I want to say on this day to nationalism and the Honduran people, nothing is going to stop us from going to theballot boxes, cast our vote and make a change now in Honduras. [End of video] | 1 | 46 |
George W. Bush Campaign Remarks in Toledo, OhioOctober 29, 2004
Laura and I are so honored so many came out to say hello. We appreciate it very much. I'm honored -- (applause.) We thank you for taking time out of your day. I've got something to tell you. I'm traveling Ohio a lot. I'm asking for the vote, and I'm asking for your help. (Applause.) We have a duty in this country to vote. You may have heard, the election is right around the corner. (Laughter.) And I'm asking, you get your friends and neighbors to go to the polls. Make sure our fellow Republicans vote. Make sure independents vote. Find some discerning Democrats, and there's a lot across the state of Ohio. (Applause.) And get them headed to the polls, and remind them, if they want a safer America, a stronger America, and a better America, to put me and Dick Cheney back in office. (Applause.)
One of the most important reasons why I think you ought to put me back into office is so that Laura is the First Lady for four more years. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Laura! Laura! Laura!
THE PRESIDENT: I don't want to offend anybody who is follically challenged, but I admit my great Vice President doesn't have the waviest hair in the race. (Laughter.) The people of Toledo will be proud to know that I didn't pick him because of his hairdo. (Laughter.) I picked him because of his judgment, his experience. He's getting the job done for the American people. (Applause.)
I want to thank Senator Mike DeWine for joining us today. I'm proud to call him friend; you're proud to call him Senator. (Applause.) I urge you to put George Voinovich back in the United States Senate. (Applause.) I want to thank your Governor for joining us. I want to thank Paul Gillmor, Congressman Paul Gillmor, for being here today. (Applause.) I want to thank Betty Montgomery for joining us. And I want to thank the next congressman from the 9th congressional district, Larry Kaczala, for joining us. (Applause.)
I want to thank the Wil Gravatt Band. I want to thank the Anthony Wayne High Marching Generals for being here. (Applause.) I will try to keep my speech short so you can get home and do your homework.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank the grassroots activists. I want to thank my friend, Bernadette Noy and Tom Noy for their leadership in Lucas County. (Applause.) I remember our breakfast. She had me flipping pancakes. (Laughter.)
I want to thank those of you who are putting up the signs and making the phone calls. I want to thank those of you who are working long hours. We're almost there. Election day is almost here. I urge you to continue working to turn out that vote. With your help, we'll win Ohio again, and win a great victory. (Applause.)
We've just got four days to go, and the voters have a clear choice between two very different candidates and different approaches and different records. You know where I stand. (Applause.) And sometimes, you even know where my opponent stands. (Laughter.) We both have records. I'm proudly running on mine. (Applause.) My opponent has an interesting idea of how to win friends. During this campaign, he's insulted our allies, and he questioned the good work of our troops in combat.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: Earlier today, my opponent even insulted the American people saying, you need to -- quote -- "wake up."
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: Well, the American people are awake. (Applause.) Their eyes are wide open. They are seeing more clearly every day the critical choices in this election: the Senator's failed out-of-the-mainstream policies, or my commitment to defend our country, to build our economy, and to uphold our bedrock values. (Applause.)
This election comes down to some clear choices -- five clear choices for America's family. The first clear choice is the most important because it concerns the security of your family. All progress on every other issue depends on the safety of our citizens. This will be the first presidential election since September the 11th, 2001. Americans will go to the polls in a time of war and ongoing threats, unlike any we have faced before. The terrorists who killed thousands of innocent people are still dangerous, and they are determined.
The outcome of this election will set the direction of the war against terror. The most solemn duty of the American President is to protect the American people. (Applause.) If America shows uncertainty or weakness during these troubling times, the world will drift toward tragedy. This is not going to happen on my watch. (Applause.)
Since that terrible morning of September the 11th, we've fought the terrorists across the Earth -- not for pride, not for power, but because the lives of our citizens are at stake. Our strategy is clear. We're strengthening the protections for our homeland. We're reforming our intelligence capabilities. We are transforming the all-volunteer army. There will be no draft. (Applause.) We are determined, we are relentless. We are staying on the offensive. We're chasing the terrorists overseas so we do not have to face them here at home. (Applause.)
Because we led, Afghanistan is a free nation and an ally in the war on terror. Pakistan is capturing terrorist leaders. Saudi Arabia is making raids and arrests. Because we led, Libya is dismantling its weapons programs. The army of a free Iraq is fighting for freedom, and more than three-quarters of al Qaeda's key members and associates have been brought to justice. (Applause.) We have led, many have joined, and America and the world are safer. (Applause.)
And part of our strategy is to spread liberty and peace. I believe in the transformational power of liberty to change societies. I want you to remind your sons and daughters what has taken place in a relatively quick period of time in Afghanistan. It wasn't all that long ago that young girls could not go to school, or their mothers were taken into the public square and whipped, and sometimes into a sports stadium and killed because of the barbaric vision of the Taliban. Because we acted in our self-interest, because we acted to uphold the doctrine which I laid out that said, if you harbor a terrorist, you're equally as guilty as the terrorist, millions of people -- (applause) -- millions of people in Afghanistan voted in a presidential election. The first voter was a 19-year-old woman. (Applause.)
Free societies will be peaceful societies. Free societies will help us keep the peace. Iraq is going to have elections in January. Think how far that society has come from the days of mass graves and torture chambers. Freedom is on the march. I believe everybody years to be free. I believe people long for freedom. I believe this. I understand freedom is not America's gift to the world. Freedom is the Almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. (Applause.)
A President -- a President must lead with consistency and strength. In a war, sometimes your tactics change, but not your principles. Americans have seen how I do my job. Even when you might not agree with me, you know what I believe, you know where I stand, and you know where I'm going to lead our nation. (Applause.) On good days and on bad days, when the polls are up or the polls are down, I am determined to protect the American people. (Applause.)
And I'll support our troops in harm's way. You know, I want to thank those who wear our nation's uniform. I want to thank -- (applause.) I want to thank the military families who sacrifice on behalf of our nation's freedom. (Applause.) I want to thank the veterans who have set such a great example to those who wear the uniform. (Applause.) And I assure you, we will keep the commitment we have made. Our troops will have what they need to complete their missions.
That's why I went to the Congress and asked for $87 billion of supplemental funding in September of 2003. And we received great bipartisan support for this necessary and critical funding. As a matter of fact, the support was so strong that only 12 members of the United States Senate voted against the funding, two of whom were my opponent and his running mate.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: But let me give you a more -- a more startling statistic, one that I would hope you would use as you're gathering up the vote. Four members of the United States Senate, only four, voted to authorize the use of force and then voted against the funding necessary to support our troops in combat. Two of those four were my opponent and his running mate.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: So they asked him why he made that vote, and you might remember this quote. He said, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." Now, look, I haven't spent all that much time in Toledo, but I doubt I'm going to find many people who talk that way here in Toledo, Ohio. (Applause.)
He has given several answers about why he made the vote. Perhaps the most revealing was when he said the whole matter was a complicated matter. My fellow Americans, there is nothing complicated about supporting our troops in combat. (Applause.)
Senator Kerry's record on national security has a far deeper problem than election-year flip-flopping. On the largest national security issues of our time, he has been consistently wrong. When Ronald Reagan was confronting the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War, Senator Kerry said that President Reagan's policy of peace through strength was making America less safe.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: Well, history has shown that Senator Kerry was wrong, and President Reagan was right. (Applause.)
When former President Bush led a coalition against Saddam Hussein in 1991 because he had invaded Kuwait, Senator Kerry voted against the use of force to liberate Kuwait.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: Well, history has shown that Senator Kerry was wrong and former President Bush was right. (Applause.)
In 1994, just one year after the first bombing of the World Trade Center, Senator Kerry proposed massive cuts in America's intelligence budget, so massive that even his Massachusetts colleague, Ted Kennedy, opposed them. (Laughter.) History shows that Senator Kerry was wrong -- and let's be fair about it -- Senator Kennedy was right. (Applause.)
During the last 20 years in key moments of challenge and decision for America, Senator Kerry has chosen the position of weakness and inaction. With that record, he stands in opposition not just to me, but to the great tradition of the Democratic Party. The party of Franklin Roosevelt, the party of Harry Truman, the party of John Kennedy is rightly remembered for confidence and resolve in times of war and hours of crisis. Senator Kerry has turned his back on "pay any price" and "bear any burden," and he's replaced those commitments with "wait and see" and "cut and run."
Many Democrats in this country do not recognize their party anymore. And today, I want to speak to every one of them. If you believe that America should lead with strength and purpose and confidence in our ideals, I would be honored to have your support, and I'm asking for your vote. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
THE PRESIDENT: In this campaign, there are big differences about how to protect America's families. One time in our debate, my opponent said America must submit to what he calls a global test before we commit force.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: I'm not making that up. (Laughter.) I heard it. (Laughter.) As far as I can tell, that means our country must get permission before we act in our own defense. As President, I'll always work with friends and allies. I'll always build coalitions. But I will never turn over America's national security decisions to leaders of other countries. (Applause.)
My opponent says that September the 11th did not change him much at all. And that's clear in his policies. He believes that the war on terror is primarily a law enforcement and intelligence-gathering operation. September the 11th changed me. I remember that day when I was at Ground Zero on September the 14th, 2001. I'll never forget the sights; I'll never forget the sounds. I remember the workers in hard hats yelling at me at the top of their lungs, "Whatever it takes. I remember the first responder -- I can't remember if he was a firefighter or a policeman -- who came out of the rubble, and he grabbed me by the arm and he looked me square in the eye, and he said, "Do not let me down." Ever since that day, I've gotten up every morning thinking about how to better protect our country. I will never relent in defending America, whatever it takes. (Applause.)
The second clear choice in this election concerns your family budget. When I ran for President four years ago, I pledged to lower taxes for American families. And I kept my word. (Applause.) We doubled the child credit to a thousand dollars per child. We want to help the moms and dads of America do their duty. We reduced the marriage penalty. We believe the tax code ought to encourage marriage, not penalize marriage. (Applause.) We dropped the lowest bracket to 10 percent. We reduced income taxes for everybody who pays taxes. Real after-tax income is up 10 percent since I've been the President. That's money in your pocket. That's money you can spend. (Applause.)
I want you to remind your friends and neighbors that the stock market was in serious decline six months prior to my arrival in Washington. And then we had a recession. And we had some corporate scandals. We passed tough laws; we have made it abundantly clear we will not tolerate dishonesty in the boardrooms of America. (Applause.)
The attacks of September the 11th cost us nearly a million jobs in the three months after that attack. But our economic policies are working. They have led us back to the path of growth and recovery. Our economy is growing at rates as fast as any in nearly 20 years. We've added 1.9 million new jobs in the last 13 months. Home ownership rates are at an all-time high. Minorities are owning their home at rates than ever before in our history. (Applause.) Farm income is up. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong in America. Small businesses are flourishing. The national unemployment rate is 5.4 percent. Let me put that in perspective for you. That's lower than the average rate of the 1970s, the 1980s and the 1990s. (Applause.)
I know people are still struggling here in Ohio. I understand that. I've traveled your state a lot; I've spoken to people. But that doesn't mean we should get away from pro-growth economic policies. Quite the contrary. We need to keep your taxes low. We need to do something about lawsuits. We need to do something about regulatory reform. To keep this economy going, I will empower our small businesses, our consumers, and American families by keeping the taxes low. (Applause.)
Speaking about taxes, my opponent has got some plans for your budget --he's going to take a big chunk out of it. He voted against the higher -- the higher child tax credit, and he voted against the marriage penalty relief, he voted against lower taxes. If he'd have had his way, the average middle-class family would be paying $2,000 more a year in taxes.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: That's probably not a lot for some of the folks in Washington. It's a lot for the folks in Toledo, Ohio. That means a lot to the people in this part of the world. (Applause.) That means a lot to the people in this part of the world. That money helps moms and dads. It helps our families.
You know, he's been in the United States Senate for 20 years and he's -- and he's voted to raise taxes 98 times. That's five times for every year he's been in the Senate. I would call that a predictable pattern -- (laughter) -- a leading indicator. (Laughter.) When a senator does something that often, he really must like it. (Laughter.) And he's proposed $2.2 trillion in new spending -- that is trillion with a "T." That's a lot. That's a lot even for a senator from Massachusetts. (Laughter.)
So they asked him how he's going to pay for it. He said, well, he's going to tax the rich. You know, by raising the top two brackets, you're taxing small business creators. Most small businesses pay tax at the individual income tax rate. Seventy percent of new jobs in America are created by small businesses. It makes no sense to tax the job creators in America. Running up the tax is lousy economic policy. (Applause.)
Let me tell you what else is wrong -- and you need to tell this to your friends and neighbors. He's proposed $2.2 trillion in new spending, but when you raise the top two brackets, you only raise between $600 billion and $800 billion. So there's a gap. I would like to call it a tax gap, a gap between what he's promised and what he can pay. And guess who usually fills the tax gap.
AUDIENCE: We do!
THE PRESIDENT: You do. The good news is, we're not going to let him tax you. We're going to carry Ohio and win on November the 2nd. (Applause.)
The third clear choice -- the third clear choice in this election involves the quality of life for our families. A good education and quality health care are important to a successful life. As a candidate, I pledged to challenge the soft bigotry of low expectations by reforming our public schools. I kept my word. (Applause.) We passed strong education reforms in Washington. We're increasing spending, particularly for low-income students. But in return for increased spending, we're now asking whether or not a child can read or write and add and subtract. See, we realize -- or we think every child can learn, and we expect every school to teach.
You cannot solve a problem unless you diagnose the problem, and we are diagnosing and solving problems all across America. Our test scores in reading and math are up. We are closing an achievement gap for minority students all across America, and we're not going to go back to the old days of mediocrity and low expectations in our nation's schoolrooms. (Applause.)
We will continue to work to make sure health care is available and affordable. We'll make sure health care is available by expanding community health centers so the poor and the indigent can get good primary and preventative care in places other than your emergency rooms. We're going to make sure that children of low-income families are subscribed to our health programs. We want to make sure people get health care in America that can't afford it. We also want to make sure it's affordable. Most of the uninsured work for small businesses. Small businesses ought to be allowed to join together, to spread risk, so they can buy insurance at the same discount that big companies are able to do. (Applause.)
We will expand health savings accounts, which will help our families and our small businesses. And to make sure health care is available and affordable in this good state, we will do something about the frivolous lawsuits that are running up the cost of health care and running doctors out of business. (Applause.)
I was campaigning in Canton the other day, and I met two docs who are no longer practicing medicine because their premiums got so high because of the lawsuits. I have met too many OB/GYNs who are leaving practice because of the lawsuits. And I have met too many young expectant moms who are concerned about their health care because they don't have a doc close by. And that's not right for America. This is a national problem that requires a national solution. You cannot be pro-doctor, pro-patient and pro-personal injury trial lawyer at the same time. (Applause.) My opponent has made his choice. He voted against medical liability reform ten times in the Senate, and he put a personal injury trial lawyer on the ticket.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: I have made my choice. I'm standing with the doctors of Ohio, I'm standing with the patients of Ohio, I'm standing with the families of Ohio. I'm for medical liability reform. (Applause.)
My opponent has got a different point of view when it comes to health care. You might remember one of the debates when they asked him about his health care plan, and he said, with a straight face, the government doesn't have anything to do with it. I could barely contain myself. (Laughter.) The government has got a lot to do with it. Eighty percent of the people would be signed up to a government program under his vision. When you make it easier for people to sign up for Medicaid, it means the small business owners will stop writing insurance for their employees because the government is going to. That moves people from the private sector to the public sector. Now, when the government starts writing the checks when it comes to health care, they start making the rules when it comes to health care. And when they start making the rules when it comes to health care, they start making the decisions for you when it comes to health care. And they make decisions for your doctors when it comes to health care. The wrong prescription for American families is to federalize health care. (Applause.)
In all we do to improve health care for our families, we'll make sure the decisions are made by doctors and patients, not by officials in Washington, D.C. (Applause.)
The fourth clear choice in this election involves your retirement. Our nation has made a solemn commitment to America's seniors on Social Security and Medicare. When I ran for President four years ago, I promised to keep that commitment and improve Medicare by adding prescription drugs. I kept my word. (Applause.)
We got the job done for our seniors. Medicare needed to be modernized. Medicare would pay thousands of dollars for a heart surgery, but not one dime for the prescription drugs that might prevent the heart surgery from being needed in the first place. That didn't make any sense to people on Medicare. And so I brought Republicans together and Democrats together. I signed a Medicare law. And beginning in 2006, all seniors will be able to get prescription drug coverage under Medicare. And we will keep our promise of Social Security for our seniors. And we'll strengthen Social Security for generations to come.
Now, you might remember the 2000 campaign, when they were running the ads and the fliers and the mailers that said if George W. gets elected, our seniors will not get their checks. Well, as you gather up the vote, please remind your friends and neighbors that George W. did get elected, and the seniors got their checks. (Applause.) And the seniors will continue to get their checks. And baby boomers like me, and a couple other people I see out there, we'll get our checks. But we need to worry about our children and our grandchildren. We need to worry about whether the Social Security system will be there when they need it. And that's why I believe younger workers ought to be able to take some of their own payroll taxes and set up a personal savings account, a personal savings account that will earn a better rate of return, a personal savings account they call their own, a personal savings account the government cannot take away. (Applause.)
My opponent's taken a different approach on this issue. He said he's going to protect Social Security. I want you to remind your friends and neighbors that he has voted eight times for higher taxes on Social Security benefits. He can run from his record, but he cannot hide. (Applause.)
And when it comes to the young generation, he's offered nothing. The job of a President is to confront problems, not pass them on to future generations and future Presidents. In a new term, I'll bring people together and make sure the Social Security system is strong for generations to come. (Applause.)
The fifth clear choice in this election is on the values that are so crucial to keeping our families strong. I stand for the appointment of federal judges who know the difference between personal opinion and the strict interpretation of the law. (Applause.) I stand for marriage and family, which are the foundations of our society. (Applause.) I will promote a culture of life and I proudly signed the ban on partial birth abortion. (Applause.)
My opponent's taken a different point of view. He voted against the Defense of Marriage Act. He voted against the ban on partial birth abortion.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: And at one time in this campaign, he actually said the heart and soul of America can be found in Hollywood.
AUDIENCE: Booo!
THE PRESIDENT: Most families do not look to Hollywood as a source of values. The heart and soul of America is found in caring communities like Toledo, Ohio. (Applause.)
All these choices make this one of the most important elections in our history. The security and prosperity of our country are at stake. The health and education for our families and our children are at stake. The direction of our culture is at stake. The decision is in the best of hands. It's in the hands of the American people. (Applause.) It's in your hands.
Our country is a strong country. It is a great country. (Applause.) I see a great day coming for all Americans. One of my favorite quotes is from a fellow Texan named Tom Lea. And he said, "Sarah and I live on the east side of the mountain. It is the sunrise side, not the sunset side. It is the side to see the day that is coming, not to see the day that is gone." In the course of this campaign, my opponent has spent much of the campaign talking about the day that is gone. I'm talking about the day that is coming -- (applause) -- a prosperous day, a hopeful day, a compassionate day, and a day when we can achieve the peace we so long for for our children and our grandchildren.
When I campaigned across Ohio four years ago, I made this pledge, that if I was elected, I would uphold the honor and the dignity of the office. With your help, with your hard work, I will do so for four more years.
Thanks for coming. God bless. Thank you all. (Applause.)
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TV Markiza – Save Markiza (Short but efficient :) http://www.mojevideo.sk/video/dea7/robert_fico_a_mikulas_dzurinda_zachrante_markizu_(1998).html Dear friends, dear fellow citizens, thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to this meeting. I know why you came. You have come because you want to defend basic human rights. You want to defend a fundamental human right. The right to free, uncensored, uncensored dissemination of information. I canceled my trips in Slovakia today, for one and the same reason. I wish that in Markíza, only true, free and uncensored information would be disseminated as before. I stayed here because, like you, I am afraid that such outrages that are spread through Slovak Television will start to spread through TV MArkiza. Dear friends, the Slovak nation, the citizens of the Slovak Republic cannot look into the 3rd millennium with hope if they are not sure that information will spread freely. I want to inform you that the SDKÚ deputies have adopted a schedule of services so that there are still enough of us here. And I want to tell you that we are determined to stay here until the 1998 parliamentary elections. I want to give you my word that you can firmly lean on us and at the same time ask you to come here until we are sure that TV Markíza will be able to broadcast definitively and freely.We want to lean on you! Finally, I would like to address the employees of the public broadcaster STV. On the cameramen, on the technicians, on all the brave employees of STV. Please do not serve this inhumane, anti-people and increasingly dictatorial regime. Come with free people. Contribute to a free Slovakia. | 1 | 65 |
Evo Morales, closing speech of the campaign in Oruro, Bolivia Now, for a new legal constitution of the Bolivian state, approved in Oruro [...] all Bolivians, all Bolivians, not only have the task of how to appoint the president and vice president with their vote. Now, sisters and brothers, you with your vote, can decide the fate of the country in a referendum, on specific issues. But in addition to that, sisters and brothers, now with your vote, you can recall the mayor, the prefect, the president, but you can also recall the parliamentarians if they do not work for the good of the department of Oruro [applause]. That is participatory, decisive democracy, it decides the destiny of the country. Before, the vote only served to elect its authorities every four to five years and nothing more. And the authorities were doing their carnival, with the so-called pact for democracy, patriotic agreement, privatizing and privatizing natural resources and basic services. We have already begun to recover them. That is why, sisters and brothers, I want to express once again my enormous satisfaction at seeing thousands of brothers and sisters from Oruro accompanying us in this closing of the campaign. You know, sisters and brothers, I didn't offer a lot of things in 2005, butI have implemented them. Really now, I would like to fulfill some dreams, your dream for the department of Oruro. For example, you have only asked me for an airport and I have offered myself an international airport in the department of Oruro [applause]. I want to tell you, sisters and brothers [edited], that in less than five years we are going to leave the international airport for the department of Oruro. Second, if we talk about integration, you know that we are making a lot of progress. In the last few days we signed, and this morning I promulgated the law for the two-way road in the city of Oruro, in the town of La Paz. It will be the first two-way road from one department to another department. [Applause] Oruro did not have any. We have economic resources already guaranteed. Next year, I want you to listen to me, no matter what, we are going to guarantee, for a double highway Oruro-Cochabamba, the city of Oruro to the city of Cochabamaba [applause]. In this way we will continue to Santa Cruz, therefore from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. You also know, sisters and brothers, thanks to the cooperation of Brazil, the IDB, Venezuela, and CAF, we are making progress in integrating from east to west, from west to east. So far we have guaranteed economic resources for apaved road from Oruro-la Paz that passes through Cararabi, which passes through Rurrenabaque to Riberalta. From Rurrenabaque to Riberalta five hundred and ten kilometers of pavement. For that we already have guaranteed the economic resources. What is missing is to build three large bridges between La Paz and Beni, between Beni and Pango and the Madre de Dios River. I feel capable of guaranteeing the economic resources to integrate the paved road from Villasún, passing through Potosí, Oruro [applause], La Paz, to Cobija, which is Brazil. From the south to the north and from the east to the west, if I can speak from east to west, from Guayaramerín passing through Riberalta, which ends in Extrema; Guayaramerín, Brazil, Extreme which is in Peru. And so we can talk about Peru, for example, the border through Desaguadero, towards Puerto Suárez, Brazil, or from Prisciga to Puerto Suárez. At least we have sisters and brothers who have drawn up three interoceanic routes for Bolivia. And I can continue commenting. That is why I told you that in these four years of the president's government I learned, I knew something more to serve the Bolivian people. But I am also convinced, sisters and brothers, that one of the aspirations of the department of Oruro as well as of the department ofPotosí is the cement factory. We have the money ready to [applause] guarantee the cement factory, for the department of Oruro as well as for the department of Potosí. Before, I want to tell you, I was very afraid. I was very afraid to talk about big projects. He said maybe we are going to put Bolivia in debt, maybe he will not be able to respond. And now I realize, it is better to launch it with force to meet this demand that the Bolivian people have. I want to tell you sisters and brothers, Bolivia is no longer a small country as I used to tell us. Some ex-presidents..., some ex-presidents, ex-ministers said Bolivia is not viable. Lie! Bolivia is viable. Bolivia has a lot of hope. Do you remember, fellow miners, under what pretext, with what argument, with what lies have we been embedded in lies of the sixties? At that time the president said: Bolivia is dying for us. And all of them, so that Bolivia does not die accepting neoliberalism. This is over. Now, December 6 of this year is to bury forever economic models that allow economic plunder [applause] of the Bolivian people. Sisters and brothers, the policies defended from social projects from [the countryside] to the city is the fundamental basis ofan economic model, of a new economic model called living well. We are in the process of implementation. And that's why, sisters and brothers, we need your support. We need brothers, your vote so that in Cocha..., in Oruro, we have the four senators and all the parliamentarians at the service of the people of Oruro [applause]. I heard about some comrades from the crossover vote. I want to tell you in advance, whoever speaks of the crossover vote is a traitor to the department and is a traitor to this revolutionary process [applause]. What does the right say now? The right says crossover vote. They know and say Evo is going to win. Who is going to supervise? Let them be the single-member deputies of the right. But do you also know, sisters and brothers? By constitution, the ones who have to supervise with great authority, with ethics and morals, are the social movements, the social control. Now corrupt mayors, corrupt prefects must tremble, because it is an obligation to implement social control so that the people control their authorities, whether municipal, departmental or national. Because these authorities are momentarily serving the country. But the money we handle is not the money of the mayor, nor of the prefect nor that of President Evo Morales. It's the silverof the Bolivian people. And that money of the Bolivian people must be democratized and controlled by the Bolivian people. | 2 | 87 |
Introductory speech of President Voronin at today's press conference INTRODUCTORY SPEECH for the press conference of Mr. Vladimir VORONIN, President of the Republic of Moldova (Chisinau, July 25, 2007) Good morning to all those present in this hall. We haven't met in this composition for half a year already. I think that many questions have accumulated that you would like to ask me. I will try to answer you all. I also have some important themes. These are exclusively political issues and I think they deserve to be submitted to your attention. Today I will refer to the results of the local elections. I will speak about them not only as President of the country, but also as President of the ruling party. I think that all those present will agree that the recent local elections have not only essentially changed the political "map" of Moldova, but have also generated a fundamentally new situation which, until the next parliamentary elections, will not change. Today it is already clear to everyone what kind of opposition, in a year and a half, will face the PCRM. But it is probably not clear to you what the ruling party will do in the period that remains until the new elections.election. Is that right? First of all, the party I lead, of course, cannot be satisfied with the results of the local elections. There are several reasons for dissatisfaction. On the one hand, according to all political canons, our result shows that the PCRM won the elections. Our political competitors, located after us, have accumulated 2-3 times fewer votes than the PCRM. You, however, know that the general coalition of the opposition did not allow us to position ourselves on the leading position in most districts, that is, to really win. We know why we failed to register a result that would have allowed us to feel more secure about the situation. Only the unsuccessful offers of cadres made by our party in the territory have reduced, in many cases, the PCRM indicators and, partially, compromised in the eyes of voters our achievements of the last four years. And this conclusion is also a reason for dissatisfaction for us and, at the same time, it is a reason to increase the demand on ourselves. The state of stability of the last two years, the political calm have somewhat demobilized our party, the middle link in its leadership. Something like this happens with many parties, especially the big parties, in government.We, however, will not repeat these mistakes. And the results in Balti, Ocnita, Donduşeni, Floresti and Basarabeasca, from several other districts, demonstrate our real potential as it could not be better. And we will restore it. Secondly, for us it is absolutely unclear how the cooperation between the central and local authorities will be achieved from now on. We have a multitude of projects, which have just been launched or are already underway – in the field of social development, construction, road management, infrastructure, education and culture. And now we find that in most districts the local power has been in an intransigent opposition to the central power, which means that it is no more and no less in opposition to all these plans, an opposition directed not only against the whole policy adopted by us, but even against the central budget. We, of course, are amazed by this position of many newly elected district leaders from Moldova. In the situation when two thirds of the district budgets are formed at the expense of the central budget, such a harsh opposition is equivalent to financial self-isolation. The local power tends to collaborate, always and everywhere, with the central power, it tends to findAnd it is a normal, natural, reasonable thing. In our case, however, things are the opposite. This position of the new leadership in most districts is not only arrogant and irresponsible, it has, especially in the conditions of the current catastrophic drought, even an anti-popular character. People are waiting for help. Regardless of who they voted for in the districts, I don't think they voted against gasification, against road construction, against drinking water supply, against renovation of schools and hospitals. And now, after the emergence of the consolidated opposition, it has turned out that things, unfortunately, are exactly like this. Moreover, now it seems that the new opposition bloc of political parties – starting with the PPCD, "Our Moldova", the Social Democratic Party – and the National Liberals and ending with all kinds of Social Democrats – has decided not to bother with various creative, constructive tasks, but simply to return to the political practice of the mid-90s. That is, not to create, not to create, not to advance, but to do nothing but waste everything that has been created in previous years. In this case, they have something to worry about again. The communists have left, in the last few years,four years, in most districts a fairly good legacy. But, by the way, love by force is not possible. Opposition is opposition. However, the central power cannot and will not be indifferent to everything that happens in the territory. We cannot afford that the citizens of our country are taken hostage to momentary political intrigues of the opposition. Once the local authorities in most districts have declared a boycott of the ruling party, we will go another way. In the situation that has been created, the power will go down the path of concentrating budgetary means (which the opposition, in fact, has withdrawn) in order to carry out strategic projects of regional development, among which are the construction of road networks of republican importance, the modernization of the water supply system, the creation of a modern irrigation system. We have a lot to do in the capital as well. Of course, now we will not be able to deal with the construction of roads in Chisinau, with lighting, with the arrangement of yards and stairs, we will not be able to solve the problems related to the quality of public transport, water and heating tariffs. On the other hand, we can increase the budget funding for free education in higher education institutions in the capital, modernize hospitalsof republican subordination, to carry out many other works. This Friday we will put into operation the high-capacity gas pipeline Tocuz-Cainari-Mereni, which will definitively solve the problem of gas supply to Chisinau. In other words, until the last day of the pre-elections, during the entire period of one and a half years that remained until the next elections, the Party of Communists will methodically and consistently honor its commitments and promises made in 2005, no matter how much the local and center oppositions try to prevent us from doing so. Thirdly, you are all witnesses how the CDPP and the Democratic Party, in just a few days, destroyed the consensus of the political parties that existed for two years in the Parliament. Parliament's fair, balanced, principled European-style position is a thing of the past. Now, with regret, we can again talk about a Moldovan policy of the most primitive type, that is, about the relations that exist only between two forces – between the PCRM and the entire opposition. The opposition did not understand that Moldova is a country and not an LLC or a joint stock company, that it is a state in which all the elements are interdependent. The opposition gave up withease to the consensus achieved by the political parties in the Parliament in the name of European integration for a new consensus – in the name of "obtaining plots of land". In addition, you can all see how the new consolidated opposition is once again beginning to blackmail the power, threatening it with street protests and other manifestations. We have already faced such things and I think we will have enough wisdom this time too. The problem, however, does not lie in the street actions, the problem lies in something else: What is the pretext for expressing such a radical protest? As can be seen, this time the pretext is the very possibility of the Transnistrian settlement. Nothing more than this eventuality! Therefore, the opposition this time is again determined to speak out openly against the territorial integrity, against the reunification of Moldova, against the demilitarization of the country. Everyone understands very well what are the reasons for such actions of the opposition. Urechean, Braghis, Diacov, and Rosca probably believe that their political rating could decrease in the conditions of a reunified country. And only this potential threat to their personal, political and patrimonial well-being makes them stand in opposition to the cardinal interests of the Moldovan state and of the entire people. Therefore, it is necessary toLet us note that the opposition has not lived up to its responsibility for democracy, stability and European values. Of course, it is very bad that this happened. We are sorry that we have such an opposition. But the PCRM and its parliamentary faction will no longer continue the practice of political altruism in these conditions – that is, it will no longer offer the opposition different posts and seats in different institutions of power, it will no longer agree with it in time on common positions on the most diverse issues of state power and state policy. Ready. This period is over. In the future, we will act only on the basis that we have the full political responsibility for defending the interests of the state and the people. | 2 | 86 |
After the brief survey of the speeches from 2001 till November 2002 elections was made, the following speech was identified to be the potential campaign speeches: Speech of Erdoğan when he introduced the candidates of MP's before the election http://www.akparti.org.tr/site/haberler/rtayyip-erdoganin-milletvekili-adaylarinin-tanitiminda-yaptigi-konusma-metn/4237 R.Tayyip Erdoğan's Speech at the Introduction of Parliamentary Candidates Date: September 17, 2002 Location: Ankara, Turkey Precious My fellow travelers, Dear members of the press, Turkey has reached an important turning point on the road to democracy and law. The November 3 elections will be a vital turning point for the salvation of our nation and the survival of our state. On November 3, those who want a secure future on legal grounds, those who miss the lost reputation of our country, will show their "determination" at the ballot box. Turkey's will to grow in a democracy is too important and sublime to be sacrificed to internal strife, political ambitions, endless games and plots. On November 4, in line with the will of the nation, the new legislative and executive branch will be formed in accordance with the principles of Constitutional democracy based on the principle of separation of powers. Both the constitutional principles and the democratic experience of the Turkish people will achieve a healthy political structure. The AK Party will make good use of this process in order to be able to govern alone and to return the power it receives from our people to the service of the people. For this, we have to tell all the facts to the society and determine all the needs of the society. For this reason, we need to know and contain the demands of our nation with all their subtleties. To govern with the right of the will of the nationThis historical opportunity needs to be evaluated very well for this country in order for Turkey to achieve its aspirations and expectations. This situation imposes great responsibilities on all of us. As the chairman of the AK Party, I want you to embrace this responsibility and this great trust in unity and integrity. No matter what conditions we are in, all our efforts are to be worthy of the favor of our people and to serve them. Those who see justice and development, production and competition, service and effort as too much for the people of this country, those who pollute the administration, those who dull hopes, those who withhold justice from the society, will definitely be ashamed tomorrow, if not today. Dear Friends, We are aware that we have embarked on a long journey. We don't have time to waste on hostility. It is not possible for us to be offended or offended by anyone. We also know that Turkey will pay the price when necessary in the struggle for democracy that will bring it to its aspirations. We believe that those who find it difficult to understand us will surely be alone with their conscience sooner or later one day. We aspired to the service of our nation, we only demanded it. We have adopted the understanding of "Glorify the people so that the state will be glorified" as our starting point. "What we have to do is an encouragement to effort, an encouragement not to despair," we said. We will nurture hope in all our actions and try to strengthen the sense of trust. Because, having a homeland, a country, a freedom requires the constant defense of citizenship law. Dear friends, As it has been so far, from now on, it will bring Turkey together with modern values and bring the Turkish people to prosperity.You should know that the AK Party cadres will produce policies on the basis of trust, not dissension and separation. And you will achieve it. You have the power to achieve this. The fact that the aspirations of our people are directed towards the AK Party is a clear indication of the belief that these cadres can bear this great responsibility. Our priorities are Turkey's priority problem areas. The solutions we will produce will reveal our vision of a Turkey that has a reputation in the world. We have to explain these priorities to our people correctly. I remind you once again of our priorities. · Strengthening the basis of National Reconciliation and Social Trust · Ensuring the transition from the Rule of Law to the Rule of Law · Increasing Production and Employment and Protecting Competition · A New Economic and Financial Restructuring · Ensuring the Transition to a Transparent Administration in the State · Strengthening Local Governments and Sharing the Burden of the Center · Health and social security reform to improve the quality of life · Taking care to ensure Internal and External Security · Pursuing an effective foreign policy and · Increasing the quality of education will bring to life the aspiration of large segments of society for "Justice and Development". As we walk on this path, we will encounter obstacles due to the nature of the goods and we will be exposed to unfair competition. Let's not forget that; Everything that is happening is happening in front of the eyes of our people. · The shopkeeper who closed his shop without a license, · The worker who lost his job, · Young men who go door-to-door until the evening to find a job, · Throw your bed on the mail train and hope in the big citiesOur callers keep a tally of everything that happens. Those who exploit those people's feelings, those who diminish their labor, do not have the courage to make eye contact with them, to look them in the eye. For this reason, they do not hesitate to change their minds several times a day in order to postpone the election. They may resort to extraordinary acrobatic moves to bring political morality to the bottom and destroy the basis of political trust. They are officially fleeing from the nation. But they will not be able to achieve this. On November 3, they will inevitably see the answer that the people have prepared for them. Dear Friends, Elections will be held on November 3. In a period when politics is polluted, the administration is incapacitated and weak, and hopes are broken, how; If the AK PARTY has given a new impetus to our political life and has gained the favor and interest of our nation, it has now become a debt to us as the AK PARTY to carry this love, hope, favor and will of the people to power. Turkey cannot be kept waiting in a narrow corridor any longer. While the eyes of the European Union are on us, those who want to close Turkey in endless problems cannot keep the political will under pressure any longer. Those who deny the common universal values of humanity to our people want to prevent the national will by generating anxiety and fear. Although they know that we will not achieve the prestige we deserve in the world with a disabled democracy, they do not want the will of the nation to be reflected in the administration. Although the national will is intended to be drowned in countless details with procedural discussions, what is happening in front of the eyes of the nation will also be evaluated in the conscience of the nation. Of the national willand we will all wait for November 4 to reflect the national conscience. And those who have fled the nation are right to be alarmed, as they have already heard the embarrassment of that day. Those who want to obstruct the election; They think that they can get away with using the amendments to the electoral law and the threshold as an excuse. These regulations were coming to their attention yesterday, they were protecting them. Today, they are angry that it is entangled in their feet. Turkey will no longer tolerate this amount of unprincipledness and inconsistency. The AK Party will never give visas to scenarios of postponing the elections, which are intended to be implemented under the pretext of lowering the threshold or any other excuse. It should be noted that the November 3 elections will not only result in a change of government. These elections will be a turning point in replacing the "obsolete and outdated political mindset" with a "sparkling political mindset that suits the future expectations of our nation." The will of the nation will not only be reflected in the ballot box on November 3, but will also give a lesson in political morality to those who pollute politics, the administration and the state. The conscience of this country will no longer remain silent in the face of such lawlessness and arbitrariness. The AK Party is coming to power on its own. Those who claim to respect the national will should not try to darken Turkey's horizon through illegal and immoral means, provocations and provocations. It is the founding will of the nation that they are trying to prevent. As the AK Party, we will never be in sterile and horizonless discussions. We have focused on the future of Turkey as a monolithic whole, and we will continue to walk on this path. Dear Friends, By the way, I would like to thank you.I would like to convey some of my private thoughts. In addition to being a party established as a manifestation of the will of our nation; It is a party that was established to be governed by a common mind and collective thought by destroying the outdated understanding of Turkish politics, which is condemned to a single mind and a single leader. Due to this feature, AK PARTY is a party that works with a team spirit. Now we are; In addition to our members of the Board of Founders, MKYK, VQA members and provincial presidents, we are together as a big team with the participation of 550 Deputy candidates. Due to the nature of the business, it may not be possible for all 550 of our fellow candidates to enter parliament. But, since it is; We talked about the team and team spirit; As you know, every game is played with a limited number of players. Those who aspire to play these games aspire to the game by knowing the rules from the beginning. Again, as you know; Although the game is played with a certain number of players, the team participates in the process with two or even three times as many candidates as the number of players who will enter the game. For this reason, none of our candidate friends should harm the team game by disliking their place. Moreover; The number of people who will take the field from this game is not predetermined and will be determined according to our performance. The more we can act in accordance with the team spirit, produce collectively and embrace our people together, the more our friends will go to parliament. While emphasizing my belief that all of you will show this sensitivity and maximum effort, I wish you all success in advance. Dear Members of the Press, Before I finish my speech, I would like to give you aI will have an announcement. Our party will start its election rallies from Hakkari on September 28, 2002 and will cover Şırnak and Mardin provinces in the first place. In addition, our party's election manifesto and the main coordinates of the campaign will be announced to you and therefore to the public at a ceremony to be held on September 26. As I greet you all again with these feelings, I say to all of you; The fact that any of us, including me, is a member of parliament is not more important than serving Turkey in line with our principles. Dear friends, Go now, wherever you go, say hello from me to every member of our nation. Kiss the hands of our fathers and mothers, Embrace all my brothers and sisters, young and old, for me, Tell them that the darkness will end, that the days of light are near, Let them never despair. Remember! Everything is for the salvation of our great nation, whose history is as old as the history of humanity, Everything is for the survival of our state, which we are determined to keep alive forever. Everything is for Turkey. | 0 | 13 |
Closing of the election campaign of GERB 2017 Plovdiv https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_snfz0bEPc Good now and thank you Todo. We start with the last words of the Secretary General of the largest European People's Party. The party that nominated the President of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament. Because I found out today they asked how it helps us. Dear colleagues do not have this opportunity because their leader of the European Socialists has dismissed the Deputy Prime Minister of the Bulgarian Socialists. In other words, when Stanishev was prime minister, he fired his deputy minister Kornelia Ninova. When she comes to agitate – she is very cool, take her. So, so much for the jokes, because he lives in a very critical environment at this minute, these days. And this is by no means the parliamentary elections. They are important. I hope when I look at the hall, by the way, we have done it well, we have a place to gather you already. They will pass with more effort, with more understanding, I hope a stable government will be made. What is happening at the moment at the border, what is pushing people and creating tension between Bulgaria and Turkey. My fear is that we will facilitate the escalation of these events to a situation where they cannot be controlled.I spoke today about Kosovo, about Crimea, maybe Cyprus should be reminded and at the moment parties that want to wave their votes are more crossing the border. They are putting Bulgaria in a situation where only 25 years ago the Revival process was. A spark, and at the moment it is fought with torches, not with sparks, will get us into such a mess in which there is no way out. 25 years ago, when the revival process took place, we were in the Warsaw Pact, on the other side Turkey was in NATO. Now they are two NATO countries. It is no coincidence that I remind you of Cyprus. Because the President is from the European People's Party of Cyprus and I have heard him complain many times. At the moment, in the world, which has a strong army, it imposes its power and opinion. Annexed territories. And it is no coincidence that we were so harsh about Crimea. Because after Kosovo, after Crimea, there is a big problem here. It is very easy to attack our political opponents, they are so easy, they have participated in privatization, in many other parties, they have been fired. Monday, Bulgarians must be so united as a people to overcome what is happening in the West and East of us. Europe is divided. You see even the declarations on Saturday in Rome, she is not sure. I hope that inMalta, on Tuesday or Wednesday, with our colleagues from the EPP to discuss these problems. We need a victory, not for the sake of the victory itself. Vezhdi Rashidov and I, with the thousands of Bulgarian Muslims who are in GERB. Because GERB has proven that it is a party, every Bulgarian citizen, regardless of his ethnicity, can go to any position for which he has a qualification or deserves it. GERB also has ministers and mayors, deputies and municipal councilors who are Muslims. I am sure that in these elections we will have a record number of Bulgarian Muslims who will vote for us. Because they should be the bridge of understanding and friendship with Turkey, not the apple of discord. And to return, as in recent days, to my horror, the rhetoric of the revival process. I was a kid then, an officer. We were in Dulovo, Kaolinovo and Razgrad and I have watched the tragedy of these people. Both of them. These have forgotten themselves in both directions. And DOST and MRF and the Patriots. And the fruits that we will reap, as a country, will be very bitter. It is one thing in theory to have heard, it is another to have seen. When hundreds of thousands go in one direction or another. What I see about the refugee wave was in Bulgaria. Because when I cameI watched the news, which became Petko voivode. And I'm really worried. In general, I radically changed my mood and what I wanted to tell you. Because Turkey's daily attacks on Europe, Germany, Denmark, Austria, etc. The threats that are poured every day in this direction are already real for Bulgaria. Firmly with diplomacy, but also politicians, we owe people to be very smart, very smart, if we do not want to provoke a big conflict. Colleagues talked a lot about the program. And for the fact that we will finance micro-enterprises, and pensioners who take care of children will receive a salary, and the fact that the tax will be 10%, and the fact that we will actively fight in all areas in which we had more or less gaps. Because what we built is visible. There is nothing in Plovdiv that has not been done. We have only one ring road left. The Asenovgrad-Plovdiv road should be right already. I don't know why they don't do it, we transferred the money, the project is ready and traded. So, as soon as we do, the government must design the ring road, because the huge investments in Plovdiv must have a way. Where the roads go, there come investments. I am convinced that Plovdiv is a democratic city, Plovdiv, most often we are here, but you have heard,that it is also my favorite city. It is no coincidence that the economic one here and in Sofia has the greatest growth. That is why I am convinced that you will vote with your mind. It is very important for you to know that in the next elections we will insist on the 10% tax, under the majority system. And in everything we talked about with Katya Zaharieva about anti-corruption scandals. After all, today is my TV day, I have to go home for BTV. However, let's send a message about the other wonderful part of wild Bulgaria. Hemus must be done. Botevgrad-Mezdra, Ruse-Tarnovo, the tunnel under Shipka. If we continue to build under this, because this guarantees Bulgaria will not become two speeds. On this side, the Balkan Mountains, from here something else. So tighten up. Growth to continue. With tolerance, because we have always been an example of tolerance. And not to feed on other people's misfortune. We have dealt with the biggest economic crisis, the immigration crisis, and now, when there is no tension at the border, let's not allow tension for 20,000 votes. This is how much one or the other will win. But the process will start and it will be very difficult to master it afterwards. I went to Istanbul to Erdogan, to Eldirim. We talkedWe told our terms and from there we landed directly in Berlin, where the German and Austrian Chancellors were waiting for me. And together with diplomacy, we made zero tension on the border. I wish you all the best. Do we still have time? I will give the floor to Tsetso to shout victory, that he calls it best. You will excuse me for having to go home for the show, this man is one of the repressed and was waiting for me. Because we are very good, very tolerant. This is both a plus and a weakness for us. And he was waiting for me to express his indignation that we were tolerant as a state, but you cannot mock the memory of people who were killed and tortured in prisons. Let's not turn it into a division of the nation, but it is not good, it is not right. I wish you Victory and thank you for coming. | 0 | 4 |
Name of Executive: Lucio Gutiérrez Borbúa Name of Speech: Eng. Lucio Gutiérrez to the Ecuadorian people Date: 16 January, 2012 Location: Unknown Source: Bulletins of the Patriotic Society Party Ecuadorian and Ecuadorians: This government is the puppet of a totalitarian international project, tearing to shreds the concept of national sovereignty, where everything is disposed to Correa. He insults Lucio Gutierrez so that he does not take away the prominence of the Constituent Assembly and he obeys the mentors of this totalitarian and violent international project, with which we Ecuadorians who love and will fight for freedom, peace, political, economic, social stability and democracy do not agree. I was a victim of the political mafias as the Ecuadorian people have been, they overthrew me with a coup d'état, I was unjustly imprisoned in the Garc a Moreno prison, they took away my political rights through the TSE and the TC to prevent my participation in the last elections facilitating Correa's victory, I was persecuted by the CCCC, the Prosecutor General and the Comptroller, in fact I was the first to propose the Constituent Assembly and consistent with this speech on January 21, 2005, I personally deliveredin Congress a popular consultation project to depoliticize and de-partisanize the CSJ, the TSE and the TC and the coup political mafias blocked it. Correa's is not a political reform to put an end to the mafias but to replace them with others. The people voted for the end of the political mafias, we want changes, not a totalitarian dictator, who perennials in power, through insults, humiliation and terror. No, Correa, you are wrong, that is why the people did not elect you. We will not leave the Constituent Assembly, we are its managers, giving the country a peaceful solution and avoiding a civil war. Correa, with his statements in Zumbahua, not only irresponsibly torpedoes the Constituent Assembly, but also wants to return to confrontation, joining the political mafias that do not want it. The fundamental reason for his treacherous attitude is that Correa has run out of the Constituent Assembly's speech, now he will have to answer to the poor people of the country, he has finished the electoral campaign and must dedicate himself to governing, lowering the VAT, the electricity tariff, the cost of basic services, the interest on the credits of the public bank andprivate. Raise bonuses for the poor and the delivery of housing. The Constituent Assembly with the 24 votes of the deputies of the Patriotic Society is a reality, consequently, we do not want to hear Correa talk more about the Constituent Assembly, to tell us how he is going to reactivate the productive apparatus, reduce poverty, misery, how he is going to improve education, housing, security. We support the Constituent Assembly knowing that the Assembly by itself will not generate sources of work, economic stability, will not lower the costs of basic services, will not improve the salaries of Ecuadorians, will not reduce poverty, unemployment, insecurity, that must be done by Correa. Because of his arrogance and arrogance, Correa is a new version of the insolent messenger of the oligarchy, only this time, of an international oligarchy, who believes that with petrodlers they can buy Latin America. Correa does not propose anything, only confrontation, violence, insults, chaos. He is an apprentice insulter, who responds like a fool with rude ass in the face of a patriotic and even gentlemanly gesture on our part. On two occasions I tried to be Minister of Economy of my government and I did not succeed, ah his hatred is born. In theIn the early morning of this Thursday, January 11, Correa called me on the phone, yes Ecuadorians, the arrogant and apprentice of a nervous, trembling, submissive, polite insulter, called to thank me for my patriotic gesture and in a cowardly attitude, acting as a clown in front of his international bosses who are the owners of the circus and of this totalitarian international project, Taking advantage of having the media at his disposal, in the middle of the show, he attacked me. Compatriots, the only major to which we belong is that of the people, who want profound changes for the benefit of the country, we are not in any greater favor of this apprentice insulter. Ours is a nationalist project, that is why we support the Constituent Assembly, by and for Ecuadorians. Correa will not rest until there are deaths in the streets, he wants violence, confrontations, spilled blood of the poorest of the country. We seek profound reforms in peace, with political, economic and social stability. With the greatest respect to my people. Eng. Lucio E. Guti rrez B. | 2 | 102 |
Name of politician: Luis Guillermo Solis Title of Speech: 1st round victory speech Date of Speech: February 2, 2014 Category: Campaign Source: Facebook video (transcribed by Cindia Escalante) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79wDrHvQ73I Location: Unclear [00:00:04] Thousands and thousands accompany us from the outside and "from border to border" as our emblematic song says, knowing that the people were wise. That the people were wise to choose, clearly, without any doubt, between the change and the continuity of yesterday. [00:00:32] Some people don't read it yet, others don't understand it, yet. But Costa Rica today is no longer the same as the one that existed before six in the evening. Today is the time to celebrate. Today is the time to feel happy because much has been achieved. Once again, some people were wrong who thought that we did not grow and grow. [00:01:12] Others who thought we didn't command, and we commanded, were wrong. And even tonight there's some who think we wouldn't rule, and we will. Not by the will of someone, but by the mandate of everyone. We will defend you. We will defend you, Costa Rica. [00:01:42] Yes, you can have a more prosperous economy and a fairer society. If you can, have a homelandmore dignified, clean of corruption, full of light, full of transparency, full of accountability so that it is known how the resources of the people of Costa Rica are spent. [00:02:02] And if you can have a politics full of joy. A politics that resizes again and makes dignified the sense of power. Because power, when it is not exercised with the people, is corrupted, becomes perverse. [00:02:22] The clientelism of the machines that have been expressed over and over again against the will of the people of Costa Rica-- they have not been enough to defeat us this time. And that is why, in the face of clientelism and the need to build a homeland full of dignity and justice, we say once again: Costa Rica, here is the new national policy. [00:02:52] And we'll go back to the markets and we'll go back to the schools and we'll go back to every corner of the country, to reiterate what we've already said. That we are the movement that best represents the national interest. That we are the movement that best represents the values and principles that make up our nationality. That we are the movement where the largest amount of the country's population is, something that has already beenit is confirmed in the numbers of this election. [00:03:30] And that we are, above all, compañeras and compañeros, the worthy heirs and heirs of the homeland of the Morás and the Cañás who have recovered the sovereignty of this country this time -- taking in their hands, the path of the future with dignity, with justice, with transparency, which is what our people demand. [00:03:57] And we've done it. As promised: with joy, with joy of living, with the understanding that politics can be at the service of the people and not the opposite. And that we will walk what we have to walk and that we will go from where we have come with the beautiful embrace of the people, making politics an instrument for all and for all. [00:04:27] And of our homeland, the beautiful melting pot where the Costa Rica of the future will be built, the Costa Rica of hope, the Costa Rica of joy, which will guide us into the 21st century -- as a new country, with a new politics, with a new Costa Rica, for everyone. Follow me forward, to win! Let's win! Not one step back, just forward! Go ahead, Costa Rica! The country summons us,The country is calling us! And we are going to win! We are going to win! Because we are the people who decided to change and why we say over and over again that "Costa Rica is not to be trifled with!" | 2 | 101 |
Speech of Calin Popescu Tariceanu, Prime Minister-designate of the PNL-PD Alliance 24/11/2004 / 23/11/2004 http://www.newsbucovina.ro/actualitate/10753/discursul-lui-calin-popescu-tariceanu-premier-desemnat-al-aliantei-pnl-pd I am honored, but also marked by this moment. Yes! It is an honor for me to be appointed by the D.A. Alliance for such an important mission. At the same time, both the mandate and the moment are very special! I met thousands of people these days in Moldova together with Traian Basescu. Moldova bears, more than other regions of the country, the stigma of the PSD's bankruptcy policy. Poverty. Despair. Hopelessness. Arrogant barons like their party boss. The wealth in the pockets of the barons, at the expense of the poverty in the houses of the Romanians! In the Government that I will lead, I will not be Prime Minister of Bucharest! I will not isolate myself in a luxurious office, among paintings and icons, among subordinates and aides! The Romanian Government is returning home! The country, the people with their problems, this is the reality and not what is written on paper, in folders sent to Brussels! In this way, the government that I will lead will take Romania out of the dead end in which the PSD has brought it! I know that many Romanians have often seen and believe that, as soon as he comes to power, the politician only minds his own business and that of the politicians.to his acolytes. Over the years, the PSD has offered them the most eloquent examples, because it has brought forward upstarts eager for power. The PSD gave a prime minister who was an art collector, a great lover of expensive things and houses. Does Nastase live from the sale of eggs from Cornu?! Rather, let's not forget that they approve rescheduling and tax exemptions of trillions of lei for some pseudo-businessmen, who move their debts from one company to another. He gives money from the public budget for money and without an auction. He is a comrade with individuals with nicknames full of meaning, such as "Spaga", "Tipsis", "Portafel", "Baron". Now, Adrian Nastase wants to be president! Is it simple ambition, is it just a fad, is it organized greed?! The PSD has given a foreign minister who claims to have raised 200,000 dollars from savings. He also claims to have dealt with Romania's foreign policy. Under Geoana's ministry, Romania is on the verge of losing access to its oil and gas resources in the Black Sea. Under Geoana's ministry, the Danube Delta has begun to die, and Ukraine is messing around at our border. Geoana has a great "merit": she talks a lot! And then he wants to be promoted– as Prime Minister. So that they can talk more and more often. In whose name?! In Romania, the reign of words must stop! Under the PSD government, the reign of words hid, through propaganda, the reign of lawlessness! Our objective, that of the D.A. Alliance and of the government that I will lead is to rebuild the well-being in this country! The PSD lies shamelessly – as always – when it says that our governing program favors only 200,000 people! The oligarchic system that the PSD has built favors a few thousand individuals, the political clientele that the party subsidizes from public money, the money of the Romanians! Romania is not a poor country. Romania is a robbed country! The oligarchy concentrates in its hands the political and economic power of a country. It uses political decision-making in favor of illegal economic benefits. True businessmen build businesses through investment, management, communication, respect for consumers. The oligarchy takes advantage and strangles the competition. On the contrary, businessmen build and encourage competition. Romania has too often become a tolerated, forgiven partner. We, those who have succeeded, want Romania to succeed as well. We are proud of ourselves. We want to be proud of our country. I succeeded in business! My businesses have always given me independence fromof any political clientelism. The competence, the power of work and the education I received, are my personal investment in the mandate of Prime Minister! What do I want to gain from this "investment"? I don't need money! I don't need honors! I don't need strength! My gain will be the satisfaction that I have fulfilled my mission: to get the country out of the dead end in which the PSD has brought it, to stimulate Romanians to know success! The governing program of the D.A. Alliance opens the way to the reconstruction of welfare! A program that has a liberal and a social-democratic component favors the entire society. Of course, he is not good for the PSD oligarchy and clients, as well as for those who quarrel with the law. The liberal component brings Romania chances for all, the repositioning of the state in relation to the real economy, investments, private initiative, more jobs, real incomes. Taxes should become a contribution, not an obstacle! The social-democratic component brings a responsible social policy. The state should ensure quality services in the fields of health, education, pensions, social aids. Social policy is not made with handouts, but with medium and long-term programs. The PSD, with all its populism, was unable to conceive and support an anti-poverty strategy! Both the liberal and the social-democratic components aim to fight corruption. Notit will be an easy task, because under the PSD government, corruption has spread throughout Romania. But without getting rid of this scourge, it is impossible for any party to bring well-being to Romania. Corruption hinders the market economy and parasitizes social policies. That is why the PSD's claims to bring well-being to Romanians' homes are without any foundation! The party of Iliescu, Nastase, Geoana and company is a party built through clientelistic networks and corruption! PSD needs corruption to survive. That's why he needs to stay in power – his clientele would suffocate and lose money in opposition! Ladies and gentlemen, As I have said before and I will repeat it, in its greed for power and money, the PSD has raised obstacles not only to the well-being of Romanians, but also to Romania's European integration. That is why our warning is that the national interests of our country are at stake! The Nastase administration and the PSD want to make the issue of European integration an electoral slogan. In fact, PSD is the main obstacle to Romania's democratic integration into the European Union. The first obstacle raised by the PSD on Romania's way to the EU is generalized corruption. "A country left prey to corruption does nothas what to look for in the EU" – this is the polite but firm message presented on various occasions by European officials. PSD constantly ignored them! European leaders are giving veiled warnings for now, because their national interests are not yet at stake and they are still waiting for a change. This change cannot happen with PSD, because it only defends the interests of its clientelistic oligarchy. Adrian Nastase deceives Romanians when he says that he can bring Romania into the EU. As head of the PSD, the patron of corruption will go down in history as the author of the failure of EU integration, if he is left in power for another four years! The second obstacle to Romania's path to the EU raised by the PSD is the oligarchy that controls the main political, economic, financial, press and secret service levers. The European Union is a community of democracies, not oligarchs. There is a public control of power there! The Romania of the PSD oligarchy will always be at the door, receiving diplomatic ravages! The PSD cannot give up the oligarchy. Adrian Nastase bases his power and arrogance on the increasing control that oligarchic structures exercise over society. The third obstacle raised by the PSD on Romania's way to the EU is to keep Romanians in abject poverty anda sick dependence on state aid! The PSD did nothing to increase the standard of living of ordinary people, it had no strategy to fight poverty, being concerned only with its barons. He won't do anything anymore! At most, he will try to give a few more alms, putting new taxes on the incomes of people who work and lying in image campaigns paid for with public money. Romanians who still believe that the EU will accept the responsibility of receiving such a poor country are wrong! The fourth obstacle raised on Romania's way to the EU is the boycott of free enterprise and the competitive economy. The 2004 country report underlines that Romania, although it has received the status of market economy, cannot resist the competitive pressures in the EU. This would mean either the bankruptcy of Romanian companies, which will not adapt to the EU requirements, or the non-entry into the Union! This is, in fact, the most serious defiance for 2005-2007! The PSD is guilty of the underdevelopment of the Romanian economy and cannot do anything in the coming years to correct the situation, because it would come against the interests of its oligarchy. He gave state aid to party or contra clienteleVotes. It has divided the private sector into political clientele and private initiative exposed to an insecure and inconsistent business environment. He harassed independent businessmen in court. It has preferentially distributed funds from the EU budgets. The PSD will continue the same policy if it remains in power, so it will strengthen the obstacles to Romania's European integration. The fifth obstacle raised by the PSD on Romania's way to the EU is the undermining of Romanian democracy. Since the PSD has been in power, Romania has started to no longer meet the political criteria for joining the EU. It would be an illusion or pure PSD propaganda to say that Romania would enter the EU without a real democracy. Here are the great "achievements" of the PSD in this field: • The PSD has brought justice to its knees in front of the interests of the party and the oligarchy! He transformed it from an instrument of the rule of law into an instrument that strengthened its power, to cover up its abuses! • PSD destroyed freedom of expression, by pressuring control over the press. The PSD manipulates the public debate and cancels Romanians' constitutional rights to free expression and information. The PSD has destroyed the associative structures, constantly undermining the civil society and turning the leaders of various trade union or employers' organizations into servants. PSD undermined the systemthrough pesedization, blackmail and political pressure on the opposition. The PSD had a programmed policy of destroying the credibility of the opposition, through defamation and the creation of ghost leaders. The sixth obstacle raised by the PSD on Romania's way to the EU is the defective and infantile reporting to the EU. Although they boast about their foreign relations, the PSD leaders have failed to build a good intergovernmental cooperation between Romania and the EU member states, or the European forums, for two reasons. 1. The PSD leaders lied shamelessly abroad, to hide the lack of will to make real reforms. 2. They relied on dubious behind-the-scenes dealings that can temporarily bind some people in power at a given time, and not on serious commitments at the government level. The PSD has managed the "performance" of making a collection of criticisms in diplomatic phrases, but this does not mean that the leaders of the EU countries will override their national interests and will accept that Romania enters the Union marked by the diseases of transition. Here is just one concrete example. The PSD has made fun of the money of EU citizens, as well as that of Romanians, giving it to the local barons. How will youCould a European leader still come in front of his voters and plead Romania's cause in such conditions? Do you think that any of Nastase's supposed friends in the EU would lose their votes for the sake of Nastase's friends in Romania?! This is in fact the true balance of the so-called European policy of the PSD and not the propagandistic lies it launches! Romania comes out of the PSD government desolate! With the D.A. Alliance, with a government led by me, with Basescu as president-player, Romania has the chance to relaunch modernization and integration in Europe! Ladies and gentlemen, the trust given is a great opportunity for me. The voters' vote entrusted to the DA Alliance means a turning point for our parties. My belief is that it will be a turning point for the country. I realize that it is a unique moment for me, as a person. How to respond to this challenge? It is my nature as a liberal to take the reins in my hands and move on! It is my nature as a liberal to have the initiative and to succeed! It is in my nature as a liberal to respect my commitments to my partners! It is my nature as a liberal to face my opponents openly, through myselfInputs! I will not hide behind anyone. There are some who say that Traian Basescu is "the bad guy", and Tariceanu "also gets into the picture to improve the image". Let no one have any illusions that my politeness is the expression of any weakness! I am fair and determined! Next to Basescu there is room for fair and determined people! You don't even know how well we understand each other! But I know how to step on my feet with elegance. Careful and pressed! As an authentic liberal, I will not be a façade prime minister, an eternal spokesperson for others! This is the difference between a liberal prime minister, who will lead the Romanian Government after the November elections, and a civil servant who has twisted his career as the wind blew and it was his interest, which the PSD is putting up to cover the hidden game of the barons, wants to impress the electorate. Romania needs a free and self-confident man as prime minister! I will live up to this mission! | 2 | 94 |
LENIN MORENO SPEECH IN THE SOUTHERN TRIBUNE Campaign 27th September 2016 Transcript of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cVJ8JKg7E0 I was saying, that despite everything that has been done, the sacrifice, the gray hair that they have shown – at least they have cost me gray hair, the president has cost him hair – despite the fact that it has cost me gray hair, they say that they want to destroy everything, that they want to throw everything in the trash can, that quality education no longer goes, that quality health no longer goes, that none of that goes anymore. They remember Attila, when on the horse he destroyed the lands in which he smelled of scorched earth, of scorched earth, that where they passed, no grass grew again. No, dear comrades, to build, to build it takes 10 years, 10 years are needed to build, and there are 10 more years. To build it takes 10 years, but to destroy it only takes one day, one day, or if you don't ask the brothers of the Narin (?), how long they needed to destroy what they had built in dozens of years. But I would like not to talk about the past, let's talk about the future. Of a bright future, of a future inthat we are all participants, a future of tolerance and respect, of work and employment. A moment ago we were coming with Jorge in the same vehicle, and a young man sat down and said, 'I work and at this moment I can't work.' I said to Jorge, 'how, how can there be no work and employment in a country that has everything to do?' Neighborhood roads, bridges, ports, schools, colleges, medical centers, hospitals, houses for people with disabilities, homes for the poor, houses for people who have to be prescribed(?) rivers to take care of, rivers to clean, entire mountains to reforest,... There is so much to do, in a country like this there cannot be people without jobs. I have been like one of the candidates for the presidency – of the pre-candidates for the presidency – on behalf of Alianza País. Well, but I warn you that the others are better, there you are, whoever the selected person is, we will all go with a single fist for a great victory of the Citizens' Revolution. I said, I would like to talk, a little, I am going to leave it for later one day, but how is it possible that the country is not an economic power? , that how is it possible that the country is nota tourist power, that how is it possible that we are not an industrial and commercial power, that how is it possible that we are not a cultural power. The great Benjamin Carmelo already said it; we are destined for it. I come from a country that has as its neighbors a group of countries that have 60, 70, 80 million inhabitants, and have more tourists than inhabitants. And they don't have what Ecuador has to show. Dear friends, only, only, if we had, if we had as many tourists as inhabitants, we would have solved the national budget. Imagine, dear comrades, what we are missing by not putting in the effort, commitment to what corresponds, to those who are going to make us move forward. Exporting, tourism, intonation, creativity to use energy intensively, we are going to be super arbitrary (?) in energy. A round of applause, please, to comrade Glas. Super arbitrary in energy. Since we do not have an industry to be born, aluminum industries because the countries around us, on the other hand, are energy deficits, that is why we are already selling them electricity. We have so much and so much to do, but we have a job to start.Work is pending; go to each province, to each canton, to each parish, to each precinct, to each neighborhood, each house, to touch the house and say to the neighbor 'come, come neighbor to the citizen revolution, because we are going to start a new stage, a new stage in which the human being is going to be a fundamental participant'. To convince the brother who left, the father who resented, the son who perhaps did not live through the infamy that Ecuador was 10 years ago. To convince them. To convince them, that the best way to convince them, of course, is always a smile, it is always a friendly greeting, it is always an affectionate greeting. To convince and bring these dear comrades. And you will have made yourself worthy of the movement, the best that society has and the best that the movement has. Those who work so that victory is a resounding victory, and we can say to the other sectors 'we have won, but here is the hand, here is the hand outstretched to compensate, here is the hand outstretched to pour out. Come mayors, come prefects, come councilors, come presidents of parish councils, we are going to work with you, we cannotdo it without you.' It doesn't matter what party they are from, they are going to come to work for the Citizens' Revolution because there is going to be a lot of work to do. With that, I'll finish. Almost 70 years ago, a young teacher graduated from the Normal School (?). When they asked him where he wanted to go to work, he didn't say Guayaquil, he didn't say Quito, he didn't say Cuenca, he said 'What is the furthest place from Ecuador?' 'Well,' they said, 'there is a town, thirty days by canoe from Port Napo, thirty days by canoe, and thirty also uphill if the river has not risen much.' There the teacher went, to the farthest place in the homeland, where the Napo River meets Peru. There where there were only sick, stunted children, with maderisms, full of lacerations on their skin, and who needed education. There he went, there he went, with his wife, because his wife accompanied him, they both went to that paradise that had become a hell, due to the lack of government attention. And that's where I was born. There, while I saw my mother cure the postulancies of the boys and girls, and I passed on to them what there was, rags to cure, I learned thesolidarity. A solidarity that I carry eternally in my soul, in addition to Manuel Espejo. I ask about you who are moving forward, and that served for Dr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, to tell me, 'you no longer only work for a million people with disabilities in Ecuador, now you have to work for a billion people in the world.' What we have talked about and now you are going to know, here among us, five international awards they gave me, five international awards. I am not complaining to them. I am not complaining, please gentlemen of the press, I am not complaining. Get out the bad you want, you didn't get a single prize. But I'm not complaining. I'm just agreeing with them. And that is why they also surely did not take out the reports that Dr. Ban-Ki-Moon gave, and that caused me to renew my agreement three times, the nomination, That is, Dr. Ban-Ki-Moon appoints someone special once a year, and he has appointed me three times. And when someone tells you who made the admission was Manuel Espejo, be careful not to say (?), it is not true. You made it, the Ecuadorian people. You with your solidarity, with your love for thepeople with disabilities, or that hundreds of thousands came out to parade through the streets, to say 'brother with disabilities, children with disabilities, I am here to give you my hand and so that you can parade with pride, with your chest erect, with your head held high, to integrate yourself into national development.' I just lit the flame. Welcome, welcome fighters for peace and life. Eva Prasil (?), I told her at the beginning, I said I heard her in Pucahuaico, a humble place where a man was born there in San Antonio Vivarra. He said, welcome fighters for peace and life, not those who want to raze the earth. Watch as history repeats itself. Welcome fighters for peace and life. The mission continues, the mission now is the elderly, the children, the women, the women, the poor, the unemployed, the workers, the small entrepreneurs, the artisans,... The mission now continues. The mission is all of Ecuador. Welcome fighters for peace and life. | 0 | 20 |
Speech of Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo President of the Philippines During the Pampanga Senior Citizens Congress/Multisectoral Program and formal declaration to run in the May 2004 elections [Delivered at the Expo Filipino Amphitheater, Clarkfield, Angeles City, Pampanga, October 4, 2003] Thank you very much. Thank you, Governor Lito Lapid. I also congratulate Speaker Joe de Venecia and the other Lakas party officials who came here even though they came here voluntarily, we did not organize and ask them to come here, thank you very much. I would like to thank and congratulate the board member Robert David and all the senior citizens of Pampanga who are here today. I want the entire Filipino people to know that this is a convention of senior citizens of Pampanga but many of our colleagues have already gate crashed because they know that I will give our senior citizens an important report. Thanks to the CREBA, they also invited me to their convention at the Holiday Inn. I told them, just go to the Centennial Expo, with the convention of senior citizens, there I will do my keynote speech. Caring ali-aliwang beneficiary naning mount pinatubo housing programs, dacal a thank you, queingAlways support me. Dear senior citizens, thank you for your support, I pray for you, my father, in the Philippines. In ...... President Diosdado Macapagal. There are many people here, but I also congratulate the whole country. Senior citizens are here, they are working hard to create a bright future for our youth who are represented today by Bambam Aquino, thank you for supporting me. Thank you to President Dulalia for your kind words on behalf of the housing industry and Marissa Sanchez, thank you for knowing that this government is a victim of Mount Pinatubo. Caring ali-aliwang official keti queng Pampanga — governor, entertainment provincial official, caring congressmen, caring city mayors, municipal mayors, to the many officials who came here in various parts of Central Luzon as well as throughout the Philippines. There's Senator Bobby Barbers and the various congressmen. Thank you all for coming here. And of course, my Cabinet members are always helping to make the future of our country better. My beloved countrymen and countrywomen: Today, I address our nation together with our Cabalens. Our historic problem has been the need for economic development to fight poverty. Historically,our economic development has been slow compared to our neighbors. While we did better than our neighbors during the last two and a half years in the aftermath of the Asian crisis, with the region now starting to recover, our neighbors are starting to accelerate their growth again. This time we cannot afford to be left behind. Our historic problems cannot be blamed on any single president, because the problems are fundamental caused by our economic and political system. To really develop our economy and create a stronger republic, we need to change our system, to institute true reforms in our politics and our economy. We also need to unify as a people. In view of this need for unification, last December 30, I announced that I did not wish to seek for election for the presidency in 2004. I wanted to pass the torch. I wanted to earn my personal peace from the riveting pressures of presidential work. But most of all, I wanted to give our people relief from unabated politicking. Nang inihayag ko noong Disyembre na hindi ko hahangarin ang pangunguluhan sa 2004. Naisip kong ito lamang ang paraan para makaiwas ang bansa sa pabigat ng nakakalasongpulitika na nagbabantang, nagbabantang sirain ang ating katatagang pulitikal at pagsulong sa ekonomiya. For a while our enemies laid down their disruptive swords of politicking, and we finally moved as a country. In the first six months, we achieved 4.8 percent GNP growth, the highest growth in our country since the Asian crisis. In so short a time, we accomplished one of the most massive housing programs undertaken in our history. Kaya nga sabi ng CREBA, ang patakaran ng ating administrasyon ang pinakamabisa para sa pabahay sa buong kasaysayan ng ating bansa. And at the same time, we kept the supply and the price of food stable. We won victories in pinning down corrupt high-ranking officials, some of them on the basis of lifestyle checks never been done before in such a systematic manner. Long-awaited judgments were handed down in order to make us overcome the catharsis and trauma of the last several decades including the cases of the Marcos wealth and the coco levy. In the all-out war against illegal drugs, we confiscated in this last eight months or so volumes of illegal drugs and arrested drug dealers in numbers that far outstripped those achieved in years before. Wehave sought a peaceful resolution to the Muslim insurgency, and we are well on the way to signing a permanent peace pact. Sabi ng CREBA, marami tayong nabuwag na red tape para sa pabahay. Hindi lamang para sa pabahay, we cut down red tape to make sure crucial infrastructure are built — yung Roll-On/Roll-Off ferry program. Caring taga-Western Pampanga, mga taga-Zambales, mga taga-Bataan, nandito yung mga ating officials, puwede nang bumiyahe sa Manila nang isang oras mula sa Bataan, hindi sa kalsada, doon sa ating Roll-On/Roll-Off ferry. We built new bridges and we are building highways, like the long-awaited, often-aborted expansion of the north expressway. We began meaningful debates on changes in the constitution, particularly on the parliamentary and federal form of government. I longed together with our people to savor the gains of unity by taking myself out of the political landscape. For a while our enemies halted and we moved forward. We proved to ourselves how much we can achieve when we defeat divisiveness. Ngunit hindi tumagal, ang aking naunang kapasyahan ay hindi nagpatigil ng tuluyan sa mapanirang daloy ng mga pangyayari. Our enemies prefer to sow disunity so that they can wrest power from the people, whobecome strong when our economy becomes strong. Our immediate successes have been met again by extreme politics. Even the political system has changed, and there has been a secret conspiracy to overthrow the legitimate government. Fearing that our success would frustrate their plans, our enemies once again resorted to their machiavellian schemes in Oakwood and in the hit-and-run exposes. Black propaganda, murmurs, disgruntled soldiers, weapons, profits from corruption and crime, and even some parts of the media have been able to gather forces that are disloyal to our democratic system. They do not really want our people to be strong. They want to hold the monopoly of strength through guns and gold, drugs and dregs. The conspiracy ripened in oakwood, unraveling the hidden ambitions of those who sought to restore our country to the dark days of dictatorship, who wanted to overthrow democracy, and conquer freedom. Oakwood has targeted the heart and soul of our republic, so I should only dismiss the consequences. We have suppressed the coup in less than a day, but we have only scratched the surface of its evil meaning: the relationship between crime and politics, thepaggamit sa walang muwang na sundalo, ang pag-iwas sa katarungan ng mga kriminal na nasa pasilyo ng kapangyarihang pulitikal. And most of all, Oakwood broke wide the deep social and political divisions that we now have, that we have had for the past three years because for a long time, we have not been able to strengthen our Republic. We need to heal the deep divisions within our society. We must have justice, but we must also have reconciliation. We must put a closure to our national divisions. We must give ourselves a fresh start. Ang landas pasulong ay hindi madali. And in the more than two and a half years of my presidency, I have gained the experience necessary to understand what we need to do in order to change society in a way that leads to economic development and the elimination of poverty. Thus, I have deferred my retirement. I will sacrifice my yearnings for personal quiet and release from presidential strain and anxiety. And I will offer myself to the electorate in 2004 I will offer myself as the leader with the experience and vision necessary to change society, to achieve economic development, and eliminate poverty. Tatakboako sa pagka-pangulo sa eleksyon ng Mayo 2004. In the same way that I made a decision last December 30 by myself. Today, I make known that I reached this decision also on my own discernment. In making this decision, I could have invoked the prodding of my party, the clamor of the people, the support of many. These, you know, are true and already made known by the media. But I am not motivated to run because I was thrust, shoved, urged or pressed. Nakikita ko ang pangangailangan nang mas higit pang sakripisyo at gagampanan ko ito. Kailangan nating siguruhin ang ating katatagang pulitikal habang nagsisikap tayong makapagbigay ng pagkain sa bawat mesa, tahanan, trabaho. As I said, I have gained the experience. I have gained the experience necessary to understand what we need to do to change society in a way that leads to a future that we Filipinos dream of and rightly deserve. A future marked by a prosperous economy, a future where we would have defeated poverty, a future where our people enjoy true social equity and equal opportunity, a future where we can once again stand proud among the community of nations confident of whatwe have accomplished for ourselves and for our nations. I long for a strong republic steep in justice, unity and peace. This means that we will balance the requirements of the social good: defense and security, and economic advancement. The economy has been attacked by local and global events when demanding clean, professional and efficient management of our fiscal and macroeconomic direction. We must continue to maintain good governance. Corruption must be suppressed. And therefore if any member of my family is found guilty, he must suffer. None of my family, personal or official, is safe from the law. We are in the countryside today, celebrating senior citizens Sunday, but there in Mindanao are crying out for peace and prosperity. We must listen to the calls and challenges of the victims of conflict. Our fight is towards democratic nationalism because it is a relentless fight against poverty. We both need to overcome this if we want a bright future for the youth, for the grandchildren of our Senior Citizens. The administration alliance will make a campaign based on the platform of reform and reconciliation. I run because I'mconfident that the experience I have gained will enable me to make a difference. That the experience I have gained will enable the people to pin their hopes and aspirations with me. Tiwala ako na ang sambayanang Pilipino ay nasa aking likuran at ang ating makatarungang dahilan ay magtatagumpay. Mahigpit nating ipapatupa ng mga pagbabago. I am confident that together we will win our future. Kakamtin natin para sa bansang ito ang mga pangmatagalang biyaya ng demokrasya, katarungan, kalayaan at kasaganaan. Some ask why I changed my mind. What matters more is that I changed my mind because there is a higher cause — to change society. To change society in a way that flourishes our future. It would have been easier to take the road to retirement. Taking up the call laid before me exacts more courage, more sacrifice, more obedience to god and our people. Paglilingkuran ko ang sambayanan kahit pa ako ay hamakin dahil dito. And humbly, I accept this sacred vocation. I shall stay married to my country. Though I’m sad to say it, I can no longer stave the dam of politics. The political season is here. Hindi ako nag-aakala na titigil ang pamumulitika pagkataposnito, mas lalo pang sigurong lulubha. But even as I announce my decision today, I also wish to give greater certainty to business and our investors. Our programs are devoted to strengthening the economy, creating more jobs, and encouraging business activity that is unhampered by corruption and red tape. I instruct the bureaucracy to stay on track in the task of governance, and I shall keep a steady hand over the concerns of the state. I ask our people to keep your eyes focused on the challenges we face daily. Let us not allow ruthless politics to distract us from the all important charge of nation-building. Politicians come and go but our challenges are here to stay and to be met. Ang tanging hangad ko ay ang labanan ngayon ay magiging isang labanan para sa balota at hindi labanan upang ibagsak ang gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng dahas. We must go to the sacred table of electoral decision in 2004, keeping in mind that reform and reconciliation, in the final analysis, will be what will heal the wounds of our divisiveness. And as we do, let us move on to flourish our future. Mahal kong kababayan, magsama-sama tayo sanang umasa sadiyos, umasa sa isa’t-isa at umasa sa ating pamahalaan na may magandang bukas tayong haharapin at ang Pilipino ay muling tataas noo sa mundo. Finally, I pray to God to grant me the grace to heal our divided land; the fortitude to unite our people; and the courage to be truly a president of reconciliation. A president of reform and reconciliation bringing peace and unity and the Lord’s bounty to all our people under God’s Divine Providence. Patnubayan nawa ng Diyos ang Pilipinas. Maraming salamat. | 1 | 51 |
Name of politician: Ma Ying-jeou
Title of Speech: Candidate Ma’s speeches at 2008 Presidential election TV debate on 9th March, 2008
Date of Speech: 09/03/2008
Category: Campaign speech
Chinese Title of the speech: 2008總統大選電視辯論第二场
Time: 中華民國97年03月09日
Words: 3291
Source:
Part1：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRntt2T6SU8 Statement：4：55-10：58
Part2：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_nB248WsI8 Conclusion：46：31-52：35
(Transcribe)
Body of the speech:
主持人，郑董事长、提问人、谢先生，还有在电视机旁的观众，大家午安，大家好。
今天，我要在这里回忆十三年前我的一个梦想。那年，我担任法务部长，到波尔多去看他的法官学校，做法国的高铁，从巴黎去。在车上打开早报就看到一个消息，说全球国家竞争力评比，台湾从18名进步到11名。我看了以后就开始有一个梦想，是那一年1995年，我们台湾的国民所得很快已经超过了1万块钱，我想如果在这个速度在努力下去，5年内我们应该可以赶上西班牙跟希腊，然后也许还可以再过5年赶上意大利。
5年后2000年我们真的赶上了西班牙跟希腊，我们是14,000，这两个国家都比我们少一点。据意大利只有5000块。可是没有想到政党轮替之后，整个实际情况就变了，我的梦也就碎了。我们到去年2007，我们国民所得不但距离意大利有19,000，距离希腊西班牙15,000，连本来输给我们3000多的韩国，我们都输它3000多，7年来我们输了他6000多。怎么回事呢？
这8年来台湾进步这么慢，整个世界都在进步，我们却落在后面。所以我个人梦碎还是小事，问题是有多少人因为这样而自杀？多少人因为这样而失业？多少人而这样而破产？这个才是我们最关心的。所以今天我出来参选总统，就是要怎么样能够把环境改变过来，让台湾人不再因为经济成长慢、生活苦而感到没有尊严。
为什么会这样？台湾到底怎么回事？我在这一年到处去访问，到处去看。我得到一个结论，就是第一我们政治的不稳定，我们看到政党恶斗情况严重，民进党立法委员用暴力霸占主席台，挟持院长不准开会，延宕议事的进行，造成我们政治得很多空的空白。同样的我们看到政府不稳定，我们这8年来换了6个院长，6个财政部长，6个经济部长，在这种情况下，公务员真的很难做事情。
然后我们看到政策不确定，核四说停建一下又复建，一来一往我们整个的国家损失了将近4000亿。
这就是，尤其是像两岸关系，陈总统宣布要三通要直行，8年来都没有做，这造成了，同样的大家民众无所适从，民众苦了8年，忍了8年，真的是感觉到忍不下去了。
更重要的第4点，高官不清廉，我们后来才发现2000年陈总统就职，5月20号两天后，总统府副秘书长就找了政府会计处的科员来建一个快设立一个账户来开始炒股票，中华民国有史以来没有人在总统府里面用公家的人力来炒股票的。然后紧接着6个部会，首长或者副首长分别涉嫌贪渎。这种情况在政府迁台60年来，中央政府从来没有出现过。地方政府，除了高雄市政府以外也没有出现过。这就是我们看到的情况。
那么再加上我们社会的对立情况很严重，台美的关系也在退化，整个社会让我们感觉到不是我们宪法所说的，“民有、民治、民享”，而是民进党有，民进党治，民进党享。在过去这8年当中。真正受害最深的就是陈总统嘴里面常常说的三中：中小企业、中低收入户跟中南部。中小企业去年被废止执照的超过4万家，超过过去的一倍。我们看到中低收入户，这几年家户所得少了1万多块钱，不但没有增加还减少。更重要的是中南部这是最支持民进党的地方，可是在过去八年中，他们受害最深、失业率最高、成长的最慢。
尤其高雄市连续在过去的6年当中，失业率在6年当中都是全国的前五高，有三年还是拿到全国的第1名。在这种情况底下，我们真的是感觉到民进党对不起“三中”，民进党真的是对不起三中。
那么，要怎么办？我们要做的方法就是赶快把经济提振起来。利用我们提出来的12项爱台建设，投资4兆能够创造4兆以上的产值，创造12万以上的就业机会。然后产业再造，传统产业创新价值，把四大服务业、金融服务业、观光业、医疗服务业，再加上文化创意产业，真正的创造20万以上的就业机会。然后全球连接，我们要跟美国、跟韩国、跟日本、跟东南亚、还是跟大陆签订自由贸易协定，或者其他进区域经济的整合。我们希望能够把台湾变成亚太的集资中心、全球创新中心，变成台商的全球营运总部，跟外商的亚太营运中心，
我是看好台湾的，谢先生是看衰台湾。我看到台湾有机会，所以我要投资、要建设，要给后代创造机会。我走遍了台湾，我发现，本来大家说：10：48-10：53。
我们希望我们要捍卫台湾的未来，我要不但做一个捍卫者，我要作为新台湾的开创者。谢谢！
Conclusion：
郑董事长、提问人谢先生，和电视机旁的观众，大家晚安，大家好。
今天是总统选举最后一场的辩论会，再过十几天就要投票了。我想大家都非常重视这次的辩论，所以对于谢先生所提出来的一些跟主题无关的问题，我会后再加说明。
那么在这里，我要回忆8年前当陈总统当选总统的时候，他的得票率只有39%，是一个少数总统。可是他上任一个多月，他的民意调查几乎冲到了8成。为什么？当初很多不投票给他的人，觉得国民党统治了50年也到了应该换的时候了，所以支持他，希望他能够为台湾带来一个新的境界。他在选举的时候，一再强调新中间路线，确实使很多人动心。可是他是5个月后，核四一停建就发现他政策反复，没有征求民意，没有征求立法院同意，就停建核试，让台湾股市应声崩盘，而且造成到现在为止将近4000亿的损失。
从那个时候开始，台湾的经济陷入困境，第2年2001年台湾，第1次经历60年来第1次的经济负成长，负2.18。大家都感到非常的难过，我们很多的梦破碎了，很多家庭破碎了。
事实上，我觉得民进党这8年真正的对不起台湾人民。因为台湾人民给他机会，给他两次机会，很多人在2004年含泪投阿扁，可是民进党没有给台湾人机会，我觉得民进党至少就这一点应该要向全国人民来道歉。
为什么会造成这样的情况？我觉得我在跟各地乡亲互动的过程当中，有一位乡亲讲的更最好，他说民进党不是“四不一没有”，是“一不四没有”，我问他什么意思？他说“一不”就是这个不会治国，然后呢，没有政绩，只有口号，政见跳票；然后呢没有人才，一直在换人；没有担当，做不好，把责任推给反对党；没有操守，官员腐败从中央贪到地方。
不过我要跟各位亲爱的观众报告，再过两个月，台湾贪腐的政府就要结束了，我们会有一个新的干净的政府出来，阳光的政府出来。其次呢，台湾寒冬的经济要过去了，我们会有活力经济出来。不再是一池死水。
我怎么做？最重要的我要打造一个活力经济，用我们12项爱台建设，把内需扩大，创造投资是创造超过4兆的产值，并且创造12万以上就业机会，然后产业再造跟全球连接，把台湾真正的开放给全世界，不只是跟大跟大陆而已。我们希望台湾真正能够扮演一个东亚区域、跳板、区域中心的角色，让台湾成为台商的全球营运中心，外商的亚太营运中心，真正发挥我们优异地理位置的效果。
再来我要打造一个干净政府，我要拿出我在法务部，当时肃贪查贿选的精神，把政风真正的端正，我要请要提行政院长亲自组织中央廉政汇报，各县市首长也要这样，有效率的用行政的方式就可以达到肃贪的目的。
同时我要打造一个公益社会，我们要重视公益，要照顾弱势。
再来我们要永续的环境，减碳节能，同时订好二氧化碳排放的标准，让全国来遵循。
我要多元的文化跟教育，让教育、教改能够进一步来检讨，让家长、学校、学生都能够放心，更重要的我们要照顾弱势学生，让文化成为台湾未来发展的重要的力量。
最后和平两岸要和平，要繁荣，也要真正的力量。
最后，我看到台湾真正的核心价值在哪里？在板桥的一次，“老板讲心声”座谈会上，就有民众跟我讲，他说你不要只看到经济，你要恢复台湾固有的道德、固有的价值。我听了好感动，我在彰化插秧的时候，老农民告诉我，你插的时候不要太用力，但是这个根要插的正苗才不会长。我听了好感动。政治不就是这样吗？如果上梁不正，下梁怎么会不歪！那么我在另外在下乡的过程也有犁田，我在屏东的新园，跟老农学犁田，那是个旱田，种芦笋的。他告诉我犁的时候角度要对，不要太用力，太用力会增加老牛的负担，也做不好。他说这个东西都做好以后，其他的交给天。那种感觉真好。这个意思就好像是“天公疼傻人，人在做，天在看”，就是台湾的基本价值，非常的本土，非常的实在。
所以我觉得这个时候我们真的不要再爆乌龙的料，来攻击其他的候选人，不要再扭曲两岸共同市场，不要再变造我开放大陆学历的谈话，来让中南部的选民误会。
我们希望提出政见出来，好好的来打这场选战。
同时我要向所有支持谢先生的支持者讲几句话，我向大家致意，也希望我们将来还能够真正的和谐相处。
最后只剩下13天了，我希望大家把票投给我，让我好好的改造台湾！
Google Translate:
The host, Chairman Zheng, the questioner, Mr. Xie, and the audience next to the TV, good afternoon everyone, hello everyone.
Today, I am here to remember a dream I had 13 years ago. That year, I served as Minister of Justice, went to Bordeaux to see his judges school, worked as a French high-speed rail, and went from Paris. When I opened the morning newspaper on the car, I saw a message saying that the competitiveness of countries around the world has improved from 18 to 11. After I watched it, I started to have a dream. In 1995, the income of our nationals in Taiwan soon exceeded 10,000 yuan. I think if we work hard at this rate, we should be able to catch up with Spain in 5 years. Follow Greece and maybe catch up with Italy in another 5 years.
Five years later, in 2000, we really caught up with Spain and Greece. We are 14,000. Both countries are a little less than us. According to Italy only 5,000 yuan. However, I did not expect that after the rotation of political parties, the actual situation changed, and my dreams shattered. When we were in 2007 last year, our national income was not only 19,000 from Italy and 15,000 from Greece and Spain. We even lost more than 3,000 to South Korea, and we all lost more than 3,000. In 7 years, we fell behind him more than 6,000. What's going on?
Taiwan has progressed so slowly over the past eight years, the whole world is improving, but we are behind. So my personal dream is still a trivial matter. The question is how many people commit suicide because of this? How many people are unemployed because of this? How many people go bankrupt as a result? This is what we are most concerned about. So today I came out to run for president. I want to change the environment so that Taiwanese people don’t feel dignified because of slow economic growth and hard life.
Why is this happening? What's going on in Taiwan? I visited and looked around this year. I have come to a conclusion. First, our political instability. We have seen severe fighting among political parties. DPP legislators dominated the podium with violence. The chairman of the parliament was not allowed to hold the meeting and all the discussions were delayed, resulting in a lot of vacancy in politics. Similarly, we see the government is unstable. In the past 8 years, we have changed 6 chairman of the parliament, 6 finance ministers, and 6 economic ministers. In this case, it is really difficult for civil servants to do things.
Then we saw that the policy was uncertain. Nuclear IV said that construction would be suspended and then rebuilt, and the entire country lost nearly 400 billion yuan.
This is, especially like cross-strait relations, President Chen announced that the three links have to go straight and have not done it for 8 years. This has caused the same people and the people are at a loss. The people have suffered for 8 years and endured 8 years. I really feel that they can't stand it anymore.
More important, fourthly, senior officials are not clean. We later discovered that President Chen was inaugurated in 2000. Two days after May 20, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidential Office sought a member of the government accounting office to set up an account and started stock speculation. No one in the history of the Republic of China has used public manpower to speculate in the presidential palace. Then immediately after the six ministry meetings, the head or deputy head was suspected of corruption. In the 60 years since the government moved to Taiwan, this situation has never happened to the central government. Local governments, except Kaohsiung City Government, have not appeared. This is what we see.
In addition, the situation of confrontation in our society is very serious, and the relationship between Taiwan and the United States is also deteriorating. The whole society makes us feel that it is not what the Constitution says, "the people have, the people are governing, and the people are enjoying it." It is “the DPP have, the DPP are governing, and the DPP are enjoying it ”. In the last 8 years. The real victims are the three groups of people which are often mentioned in President Chen's mouth: small and medium-sized enterprises, low- and middle-income households, and the central and southern regions. More than 40,000 small and medium-sized enterprises’ licenses were revoked last year, more than double the number in the past. We have seen low- and middle-income households. In the past few years, household income has been reduced by more than 10,000 yuan, which has not only increased but also decreased. More importantly, the Central and South China is the place where the DPP is most supported, but in the past eight years, they have suffered the most, the highest unemployment rate, and the slowest growth.
In particular, Kaohsiung City has had the highest unemployment rate in the country for the past 6 years in a row. For three years, it still ranked first in the country. Under these circumstances, we really feel that the DPP is sorry for the "three middle schools" and the DPP is really sorry for Yamanaka.
So what should I do? The way we have to do is to quickly boost the economy. Using the 12 projects we have proposed for Taiwan, investing 4 trillion yuan can create more than 4 trillion yuan in output value and create more than 120,000 job opportunities. Then industry reengineering, traditional industry innovation value, the four major service industries, financial services, tourism, medical services, plus cultural and creative industries, to truly create more than 200,000 employment opportunities. Then global connection, we have to sign free trade agreements with the United States, with South Korea, with Japan, with Southeast Asia, or with the mainland, or other integration into the regional economy. We hope to turn Taiwan into a fund-raising center and global innovation center in the Asia-Pacific region, a global operation headquarters for Taiwanese businessmen, and an Asia-Pacific operation center for foreign businesses.
I am optimistic about Taiwan, and Mr. Xie is optimistic about Taiwan. I see Taiwan has a chance, so I want to invest, build, and create opportunities for future generations. I traveled all over Taiwan and I found that everyone originally said: 10: 48-10: 53.
We hope that we will defend the future of Taiwan. I will not only be a defender, but I will also be the pioneer of new Taiwan. Thank you!
Conclusion:
Chairman Zheng, the questioner Mr. Xie, and the audience next to the TV, good night everyone, hello everyone.
Today is the last debate in the presidential election, and we will vote in a few more days. I think everyone attaches great importance to this debate, so I will explain later on some issues that Mr. Xie raised that have nothing to do with the topic.
Well, here I want to recall that when President Chen was elected president 8 years ago, he got only 39% of the votes, which is a minority president. But after he took office for more than a month, his polls almost rushed to 80%. why? Many people who did not vote for him at the time felt that it was time for the Kuomintang to rule for 50 years, so he supported him and hoped that he would bring a new realm to Taiwan. During the election, he repeatedly emphasized the new middle line, which really attracted many people. However, after 5 months, he found that his policy was repeated after the construction of the nuclear power plant was suspended. He did not seek public opinion or the approval of the legislative court. He stopped building nuclear tests, causing the Taiwan stock market to crash and causing nearly 400 billion losses. .
Since then, Taiwan's economy has been in trouble. In the second year of 2001, Taiwan experienced the first negative economic growth in 60 years, negative 2.18. Everyone is very sad, many of our dreams are broken, and many families are broken.
In fact, I feel that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has really been sorry to the people of Taiwan for the past 8 years. Because the Taiwanese people gave him a chance and gave him two chances, many people voted for president Chen in tears in 2004, but the DPP didn't give the Taiwanese a chance. I think the DPP should at least apologize to the people across the country.
Why is this happening? I feel that in the process of interacting with folks in various places, one of the folks spoke better. He said that the DPP was not "four or one without", but "one or four without". I asked him what he meant? He said "one no" is this will not govern the country, and then, there is no performance, only slogans, political opinions jump; then there is no talent, has been changing people; no responsibility, not doing well, pushing responsibility to the opposition party; no ethics Official corruption was corrupted from the central government to the local government.
However, I would like to report to you, my dear people, that in two months, the corrupt government in Taiwan will end, and we will have a new clean government and a sunny government. Secondly, Taiwan's cold winter economy is over, and we will have a vibrant economy. No longer a pool of standing water.
How do i do that? The most important thing is to build a dynamic economy, use our 12 Taiwan-loving constructions to expand domestic demand, create investment to create more than 4 trillion output values, and create more than 120,000 job opportunities. Then the industrial restructuring will be connected to the world and Taiwan will be truly Is open to the world, not just to Dagen mainland. We hope that Taiwan can truly play the role of an East Asian region, a springboard, and a regional center, so that Taiwan can become a global operation center for Taiwanese businessmen, and an Asia-Pacific operation center for foreign businessmen, which can truly exert the effect of our excellent geographical location.
Secondly, I want to build a clean government. I want to show my spirit of investigating bribery in the Legal Department. I have to straighten out the political style. I want to ask the chief executive to personally organize the report on the central government ’s integrity. In this way, the purpose of eliminating corruption can be achieved by using administrative methods efficiently.
At the same time, I want to build a public welfare society. We must pay attention to public welfare and take care of the disadvantaged.
Next, we need a sustainable environment, reducing carbon and saving energy, and at the same time setting standards for carbon dioxide emissions for the whole country to follow.
I want a diverse culture and education, so that education and reform can be further reviewed, so that parents, schools, and students can rest assured. More importantly, we must take care of disadvantaged students and make culture an important force for Taiwan's future development.
In the end, both sides of the peace need peace, prosperity, and real strength.
Finally, where do I see Taiwan ’s true core value? At a forum in Banqiao, "The Boss Speaks", some people told me that he said that you should not just look at the economy, but you should restore Taiwan's inherent morality and inherent values. I was really touched when I heard it. When I was transplanting rice in Changhua, the old farmer told me, don't use too much force when you transplant, but the positive seedling to be planted will not grow. I was so touched. Isn't politics like this? If the upper beam is not right, why is the lower beam not crooked! Then I also had plowed fields in the process of going to the countryside. I was in Pingtung's new garden, and I studied plowing with old farmers. It was a dry field and planted asparagus. He told me that when plowing, the angle should be right. Don't use too much force. Too much force will increase the burden on the old cow and not do well. He said that after everything was done, the rest was left to heaven. That feels great. This meaning is like "Tiangong loves stupid people, people are doing it, and heaven is watching", which is the basic value of Taiwan. It is very local and very real.
So I think at this time we really don't want to blast Oolong's materials to attack other candidates, don't distort the cross-strait common market, and don't change my conversation about opening the mainland education background to mislead voters in the central and southern regions.
We hope to put forward political opinions and fight this election campaign well.
At the same time, I would like to say a few words to all the supporters who support Mr. Xie. I pay tribute to everyone and hope that we can truly live in harmony in the future.
There are only 13 days left in the end, and I hope that everyone will vote for me, so that I can transform Taiwan! | 1 | 74 |
Yoshihiko Noda's Speech on Candidate / August 29, 2011 / Full Text Yoshihiko Noda's Speech on Candidate This is Yoshihiko Noda, a member of the House of Representatives, who has been running for the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) representative election. Thank you very much. (Applause) I would like to take the time I have to reflect on how I came here today and show you some of my political beliefs and political principles. My father is the youngest of six children of a farmer in Toyama Prefecture. My mother is the youngest of 11 siblings from a farmer in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture. I am the eldest son born to the youngest children of farmers. My constituency is in an urban area, but that may be the reason why I don't look like a city boy for some reason (laughs). I didn't mention the wedding reception because I was poor. It seems that they started their newlywed life by eating with a teacup on their father's trunk. However, there was hope that the future would get better, and it was the era of the so-called "sunset on 3-chome". The first time I became aware of politics was in October of Showa 35, and the elderly may understand. There was an incident in which Mr. Inajiro Asanuma, the chairman of the Japan Socialist Party at the time, was stabbed to death at the Hibiya Public Hall. For some reason, there was a black-and-white TV in my house. My father was poor, but he loved wrestling and bought a TV. There was a lot of news. Scary, stabbed to death, funeral scenes. I asked my mother about my childish feelings. "Why was that uncle killed?" I remember being told at that time, "Politicians are deadly." That was the first time I became aware of politics. When I was going to nursery school, I received sad news from across the ocean. It was the assassination of John F. Kennedy. When I was a toddler, I was given the image that politics is a scary job. Gradually, as I looked at the newspapers for a long time, I began to think that there was a gap between the incidents that symbolized the plutocratic culture rather than the fact that I was risking my life to do my job. When I was a student, I was in the judo club. At that time, and now that I am in politics, I am not good at sleeping (laughs). On the other hand, he was also a shy boy who loved literature. I still read it from time to time. I love period novels. I think I learned the background of politics from period novels. I learned about the world of dreams and aspirations from Ryotaro Shiba, the dignified appearance and pride of a low-ranking samurai from Shuhei Fujisawa, and the subtleties of humanity from Shugoro Yamamoto. I believe that what is needed in politics is dreams, aspirations, pride, humanity, and a politics of blood. I think that because there is a shortage of these things now, there is a distrust of politics and anxiety about politics. Then, suddenly, I decided to become a politician instead of wanting to be a journalist. The first election I tried to run was the prefectural assembly election in Chiba Prefecture in April 1962. Six months before that, from October 1, 1961, I began to stand on the streets every morning. Tsudanuma Station, Funabashi Station, I have been doing it for a long time. I continued for a quarter of a century until June last year, before I became a minister. In his debut, he said, "No ground, no signs, no bags. But there is vitality. I have a good friend," and this is the slogan we fought with. No one was cheering for me, so I stood alone on the street, but no one paid attention, so I stood in the same place for 13 hours a day and preached. My second-hand town car broke down, so I walked all day while carrying a hand microphone and preached. As a result, 18,707 votes. I was able to win. I didn't have a political party that I wanted to join anywhere, so I spent four years in a one-man caucus. In the second election after that, it rained heavily. Voter turnout dropped by 10%. I thought everyone would fall. But it went from 18,707 votes to 20,405. I was touched by the fact that even when it rained, there were people who wrote my name while holding an umbrella. There is also no organization. There are no associations. When you go to the polling station, there is a partition, as you can see. If you try to write your name in that partition, no one will be able to whisper. You can't force yourself to write either. I was impressed that 500 people in a class of 20,405 or 40 people went out of their way to visit in such a rainy place without being forced. Politics that values each individual, and that's when I decided to accomplish it. But I think I lost my mind somewhere. My first attempt at a national election was a success. It was my desire to break the system of the ruling party and the opposition party for a long time, and to create a political force that could replace the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and bring about a change of government. But I lost the second election, the first single-member constituency system. A difference of 105 votes. With a loss rate of 99.9%, it was the closest in Japan. A defeat, narrow or large, is a defeat. I didn't run for office twice, so I was a ronin for 3 years and 8 months. At the time of this ronin, I was 105 votes behind, so I wondered why those people went on a trip that day, and why didn't they enter that area more strongly, and I couldn't sleep when I looked at the ceiling. Once again, I was reminded of the fact that I had not devoted myself to the politics of each person, even though I said that "every vote counts" while saying that "politics is for each individual." Politics that values each individual is my starting point. I would also like to cherish each and every one of the irreplaceable comrades of the Democratic Party of Japan who have gathered here because of my connection with them. I absolutely do not accept the logic of exclusion. During my time as a ronin, I had another experience that was very difficult for me. I was 105 votes behind, so when I couldn't get my head around it, I went to a study session. It happened to be a study session that I went to by a friend. I was almost asleep. At that sleeping study session, there was a story that came to my ears and my heart. It's the story of morning glories. It was a story about what it takes for morning glories to bloom early in the morning. The answer, I thought, was the light of day. That's not what I mean. What is the most necessary thing for morning glories to bloom in the early morning? It was the darkness of the night before and the coldness of the night. Unfinished Waiting ============================ Mud 鰍Prime Minister稱號 Source One of my favorite quotes, Mitsu Aida, says, "It's about imitating a goldfish." The looks are as follows: Even if I become prime minister, I don't think my approval rating will rise immediately. So, we don't break up. Dojo has the flavor of dojo. Even if you imitate a goldfish, you can't do it. You can't be a goldfish wearing a red bebebe. He works hard for the people and moves politics forward. There are various issues such as the appreciation of the yen, deflation, and fiscal reform. It's heavy and difficult. It is a heavy challenge, but I am determined to stand up for it and move forward with the politics of this country with all my heart. It may be a dojo. I would like to see the politics of dojo through to the fullest. I would like to ask you to gather your strength, and I would like to ask you to risk your political life and your life. Thank you very much. (Applause) Aug. 29, 2011 https://www.facebook.com/notes/%E9%82%B1%E5%9E%82%E6%B3%B0/%E8%83%BD%E6%89%93%E5%8B%95%E4%BA%BA%E5%BF%83%E7%9A%84%E6%BC%94%E8%AA%AA%E9%87%8E%E7%94%B0%E4%BD%B3%E5%BD%A6%E7%AB%8B%E5%80%99%E8%A3%9C%E6%BC%94%E8%AA%AC2011829%E5%85%A8%E6%96%87/453657417989852/ | 0 | 8 |
http://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/discursuri/discursul-domnului-ion-iliescu-rostit-in-noaptea-de-10-decembrie-2000 Discourse by Romanian President Ion Iliescu on the election night, before outcome 1, 094 words 10 December 2000 Dear fellow citizens, Dear friends, As shown by the estimates made by the television stations, the result of the second round of the presidential elections represents a victory of maturity and responsibility of the Romanian citizens, a very important political message, both for the country and for the international public opinion. The categorical rejection of extremism, xenophobia and totalitarian temptations was a test stone for both the Romanian nation and the political class. I want to thank all those who have given me their support: ordinary people from cities and villages, political and opinion leaders, intellectuals and young people. I understood and welcome their gesture of solidarity in the face of threats to democracy, citizens' rights and freedoms. The last two weeks have reminded us all that what we did in December 1989 through blood sacrifice must be permanently defended, that the ghosts of the totalitarian past can arise at any time from poverty, despair, frustration, hatred and bitterness. The hard part, however, is just beginning, both for the Parliament, for the new Government and for me, as head of state. By their vote, the citizens sanctioned the bad governance of thea coalition in permanent crisis, in endless struggles for power. Corruption, bureaucracy, unprofessionalism have suffocated the country and its creative forces, suffocated the economy, destroyed social and national cohesion. That is why I call on you, this evening, to unite all of us in an effort of economic and social reconstruction, of restoring social cohesion, of combating poverty, corruption and crime. The priority that lies before us is that of relaunching the economy. Only through sustained economic growth, the revival of industry and agriculture, the revival of trade, small and medium-sized private enterprises, the creation of new jobs - we will be able to ensure the country's citizens a dignified and decent life. I promised – both I and the PDSR – that we will govern in the interest of the many. I promised good governance, based on strong, efficient, debureaucratized and respected institutions, on few, clear and stable laws. We promised that we would restore the authority of the state. We promised to fight extreme poverty. Finally, I promised that we will accelerate the process of Romania's dignified integration into the European Union and NATO. I will ensure, as head of state, that these promises become reality. I will act firmly so that no one in this country will beconsidered above the law. I know that there is a great expectation from the people, who want those who stole, plundered the national wealth, those who violated the Constitution and the laws of the country to pay in front of the Justice. I will see to it that Justice does its duty, starting with its servants who have broken the law. Public institutions will be put at the service of the interests and safety of the citizen. I will firmly defend democracy in Romania. I will use dialogue, tolerance and the permanent search for consensus as the main instruments of my action as head of state. It is time for reconciliation. It is time for unity. It's time for collaboration. Time is no longer our ally. We must act quickly, work with dedication and efficiency, accelerate economic and social reforms. I hope that we will find in the international financial institutions – the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank – partners in our development and modernization effort. We will explain to them the dramatic social problems we have to face and I hope they will support the Romanian reform plan. I assure you that I will ensure that privatization becomes a transparent and efficient process, an instrument of economic growth and development of the Romanian economy. Our foreign policy will continue the directionnational interest and consensus, Euro-Atlantic integration and good neighbourliness. Romania remains committed to the path of full integration with the European Union. Our energy and effort will be channeled, in the coming period, towards accelerating the pace of accession negotiations and fulfilling the integration criteria. Our main trade, economic and political partners are European. We continue to count on their support in fulfilling our European aspirations. NATO is the most important alliance capable of ensuring stability, transatlantic cohesion and peace in Europe. Our determination to join the North Atlantic Alliance was and remains unwavering. I am confident that Romania, through seriousness and perseverance, will quickly find its well-deserved place in the NATO family. Our Strategic Partnership with the United States of America is an essential point of our foreign policy. We will work closely with the incoming U.S. Administration to advance our bilateral agenda, accelerate the process of Euro-Atlantic integration, and ensure stability in our region. Romania will continue to be a promoter of regional cooperation and close relations with all its neighbours. We will give priority to strengthening and expanding special relations with the Republic of Moldova. We will use the Romanian Chairmanship of the OSCE to promote our common ideals of democracy, stability and respect for thethroughout the Euro-Atlantic area. I take this opportunity to convey my best thoughts to all Romanians living abroad. Romania needs all its sons to overcome the difficulties of the transition and to find the path to prosperity and economic growth. Dear fellow citizens, Dear friends, We have traveled together, in the last 11 years, the difficult road from dictatorship to democracy, from the command economy to the market economy, from indifference to the assumption of responsibility. We have done many good things, we have also made mistakes. In the four years of right-wing government – which ends today – you have endured much suffering, and your dignity as people has been touched by poverty, unemployment and violence. The time has come for the rebirth of hope. I intend that my next mandate as head of the Romanian state will be one of restoring national and social solidarity, of national dignity, of increasing the well-being of each of Romania's citizens. I know that it is possible, that we have the resources and the will to change our lives for the better, to bring Romania among the countries with developed economies, to make ourselves known and respected. The time for words has passed, the time for deeds has come.The time has come to put our intelligence and good faith at the service of the country. It would be very easy to waste this moment, but our country would be even poorer. Let's not miss the chance that is offered to us, let's join our efforts, raise our eyes from the ground, dare more and take our destiny into our own hands. As I said at the beginning of this long electoral campaign, I continue to call you to my side, under the motto "Close to the people!" and together with them. Only in this way, I will be able to be the president of all Romanians. Let's turn the page and write a new chapter in our history. I trust in the people, in the future of our homeland. Long live Romania! Thank you all. | 0 | 12 |
Full transcript: Donald Trump NYC speech on stakes of the election
Today I‘d like to share my thoughts about the stakes in this election. People have asked me why I am running for President. I have built an amazing business that I love and I get to work side-by-side with my children every day. We come to work together and turn visions into reality.
We think big, and then we make it happen.
I love what I do, and I am grateful beyond words to the nation that has allowed me to do it.
So when people ask me why I am running, I quickly answer: I am running to give back to this country which has been so good to me.
When I see the crumbling roads and bridges, or the dilapidated airports, or the factories moving overseas to Mexico, or to other countries, I know these problems can all be fixed, but not by Hillary Clinton – only by me.
The fact is, we can come back bigger and better and stronger than ever before --Jobs, jobs, jobs!
Everywhere I look, I see the possibilities of what our country could be. But we can’t solve any of these problems by relying on the politicians who created them.
We will never be able to fix a rigged system by counting on the same people who rigged it in the first place.
The insiders wrote the rules of the game to keep themselves in power and in the money.
That’s why we’re asking Bernie Sanders’ voters to join our movement: so together we can fix the system for ALL Americans. Importantly, this includes fixing all of our many disastrous trade deals.
Because it’s not just the political system that’s rigged. It’s the whole economy.
It’s rigged by big donors who want to keep down wages.
It’s rigged by big businesses who want to leave our country, fire our workers, and sell their products back into the U.S. with absolutely no consequences for them.
It’s rigged by bureaucrats who are trapping kids in failing schools.
It’s rigged against you, the American people.
Hillary Clinton who, as most people know, is a world class liar –
just look at her pathetic email and server statements, or her phony landing in Bosnia where she said she was under attack but the attack turned out to be young girls handing her flowers, a total self-serving lie.
Brian Williams’ career was destroyed for saying far less.
Yesterday, she even tried to attack me and my many businesses. But here is the bottom line: I started off in Brooklyn New York, not so long ago, with a small loan and built a business worth over 10 billion dollars. I have always had a talent for building businesses and, importantly, creating jobs. That is a talent our country desperately needs.
I am running for President to end the unfairness and to put you, the American worker, first.
We are going to put America First, and we are going to Make America Great again.
This election will decide whether we are ruled by the people, or by the politicians.
Here is my promise to the American voter:
If I am elected President, I will end the special interest monopoly in Washington, D.C.
The other candidate in this race has spent her entire life making money for special interests – and taking money from special interests.
Hillary Clinton has perfected the politics of personal profit and theft.
She ran the State Department like her own personal hedge fund – doing favors for oppressive regimes, and many others, in exchange for cash.
Then, when she left, she made $21.6 million giving speeches to Wall Street banks and other special interests – in less than 2 years – secret speeches that she does not want to reveal to the public.
Together, she and Bill made $153 million giving speeches to lobbyists, CEOs, and foreign governments in the years since 2001.
They totally own her, and that will never change.
The choice in this election is a choice between taking our government back from the special interests, or surrendering our last scrap of independence to their total and complete control.
Those are the stakes.
Hillary Clinton wants to be President. But she doesn't have the temperament, or, as Bernie Sanders' said, the judgement, to be president.
She believes she is entitled to the office.
Her campaign slogan is “I’m with her.”
You know what my response to that is? I’m with you: the American people.
She thinks it’s all about her.
I know it’s all about you – I know it’s all about making America Great Again for All Americans.
Our country lost its way when we stopped putting the American people first.
We got here because we switched from a policy of Americanism – focusing on what’s good for America’s middle class – to a policy of globalism, focusing on how to make money for large corporations who can move their wealth and workers to foreign countries all to the detriment of the American worker and the American economy.
We reward companies for offshoring, and we punish companies for doing business in America and keeping our workers employed.
This is not a rising tide that lifts all boats.
This is a wave of globalization that wipes out our middle class and our jobs.
We need to reform our economic system so that, once again, we can all succeed together, and America can become rich again.
That’s what we mean by America First.
Our country will be better off when we start making our own products again, bringing our once great manufacturing capabilities back to our shores.
Our Founders understood this.
One of the first major bills signed by George Washington called for “the encouragement and protection of manufactur[ing]” in America.
Our first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, warned us by saying:
“The abandonment of the protective policy by the American government will produce want and ruin among our people.”
I have visited the cities and towns across America and seen the devastation caused by the trade policies of Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Hillary Clinton supported Bill Clinton’s disastrous NAFTA, just like she supported China’s entrance into the World Trade Organization.
We’ve lost nearly one-third of our manufacturing jobs since these two Hillary-backed agreements were signed.
Our trade deficit with China soared 40% during Hillary Clinton’s time as Secretary of State -- a disgraceful performance for which she should not be congratulated, but rather scorned.
Then she let China steal hundreds of billions of dollars in our intellectual property – a crime which is continuing to this day.
Hillary Clinton gave China millions of our best jobs, and effectively let China completely rebuild itself.
In return, Hillary Clinton got rich!
The book Clinton Cash, by Peter Schweitzer, documents how Bill and Hillary used the State Department to enrich their family at America’s expense.
She gets rich making you poor.
Here is a quote from the book: “At the center of US policy toward China was Hillary Clinton…at this critical time for US-china relations, Bill Clinton gave a number of speeches that were underwritten by the Chinese government and its supporters.”
These funds were paid to the Clinton bank account while Hillary was negotiating with China on behalf of the United States.
She sold out our workers, and our country, for Beijing.
Hillary Clinton has also been the biggest promoter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will ship millions more of our jobs overseas – and give up Congressional power to an international foreign commission.
Now, because I have pointed out why it would be such a disastrous deal, she is pretending that she is against it. She has even deleted this record of total support from her book – deletion is something she is very good at -- (at least 30,000 emails are missing.)
But this latest Clinton cover-up doesn’t change anything: if she is elected president, she will adopt the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and we will lose millions of jobs and our economic independence for good. She will do this, just as she has betrayed the American worker on trade at every single stage of her career – and it will be even worse than the Clintons’ NAFTA deal.
I want trade deals, but they have to be great for the United States and our workers.
We don't make great deals anymore, but we will once I become president.
It’s not just our economy that’s been corrupted, but our foreign policy too.
The Hillary Clinton foreign policy has cost America thousands of lives and trillions of dollars – and unleashed ISIS across the world.
No Secretary of State has been more wrong, more often, and in more places than Hillary Clinton.
Her decisions spread death, destruction and terrorism everywhere she touched.
Among the victims is our late Ambassador, Chris Stevens. He was left helpless to die as Hillary Clinton soundly slept in her bed -- that's right, when the phone rang at
3 o'clock in the morning, she was sleeping.
Ambassador Stevens and his staff in Libya made hundreds of requests for security.
Hillary Clinton’s State Department refused them all.
She started the war that put him in Libya, denied him the security he asked for, then left him there to die.
To cover her tracks, Hillary lied about a video being the cause of his death.
Here is what one of the victim’s mothers had to say:
“I want the whole world to know it: she lied to my face, and you don’t want this person to be president.”
In 2009, before Hillary Clinton was sworn in, it was a different world.
Libya was cooperating.
Iraq was seeing a reduction in violence.
Syria was under control.
Iran was being choked by sanctions.
Egypt was governed by a friendly regime that honored its peace treaty with Israel.
ISIS wasn’t even on the map.
Fast forward to 2013: In just four years, Secretary Clinton managed
to almost single-handedly destabilize the entire Middle East.
Her invasion of Libya handed the country over to the ISIS barbarians.
Thanks to Hillary Clinton, Iran is now the dominant Islamic power in the Middle East, and on the road to nuclear weapons.
Hillary Clinton’s support for violent regime change in Syria has thrown the country into one of the bloodiest civil wars anyone has ever seen – while giving ISIS a launching pad for terrorism against the West.
She helped force out a friendly regime in Egypt and replace it with the radical Muslim Brotherhood. The Egyptian military has retaken control, but Clinton has opened the Pandora’s box of radical Islam.
Then, there was the disastrous strategy of announcing our departure date from Iraq, handing large parts of the country over to ISIS killers.
ISIS threatens us today because of the decisions Hillary Clinton has made.
ISIS also threatens peaceful Muslims across the Middle East, and peaceful Muslims across the world, who have been terribly victimized by horrible brutality – and who only want to raise their kids in peace and safety.
In short, Hillary Clinton’s tryout for the presidency has produced one deadly foreign policy disaster after another.
It all started with her bad judgment in supporting the War in Iraq in the first place.
Though I was not in government service, I was among the earliest to criticize
the rush to war, and yes, even before the war ever started.
But Hillary Clinton learned nothing from Iraq, because when she got into power,
she couldn’t wait to rush us off to war in Libya.
She lacks the temperament, the judgment and the competence to lead.
In the words of a Secret Service agent posted outside the Oval Office:
“She simply lacks the integrity and temperament to serve
in the office…from the bottom of my soul, I know this to be true…Her leadership style – volcanic, impulsive…disdainful of the rules set for everyone else – hasn’t changed a bit.”
Perhaps the most terrifying thing about Hillary Clinton’s foreign policy is that she refuses to acknowledge the threat posed by Radical Islam.
In fact, Hillary Clinton supports a radical 550% increase in Syrian refugees coming into the United States, and that's an increase over President Obama's already very high number.
Under her plan, we would admit hundreds of thousands of refugees from the most dangerous countries on Earth – with no way to screen who they are or what they believe.
Already, hundreds of recent immigrants and their children have been convicted of terrorist activity inside the U.S.
The father of the Orlando shooter was a Taliban supporter from Afghanistan, one of the
most repressive anti-gay and anti-women regimes on Earth.
I only want to admit people who share our values and love our people.
Hillary Clinton wants to bring in people who believe women should be enslaved
and gays put to death.
Maybe her motivation lies among the more than 1,000 foreign donations Hillary failed to disclose while at the State Department.
Hillary Clinton may be the most corrupt person ever to seek the presidency.
Here is some more of what we learned from the book,
Clinton Cash:
A foreign telecom giant faced possible State Department sanctions for providing technology to Iran, and other oppressive regimes. So what did this company do? For the first time ever, they decided to pay Bill Clinton $750,000 for a single speech. The Clintons got their cash, the telecom company escaped sanctions.
Hillary Clinton’s State Department approved the transfer of 20% of America’s uranium holdings to Russia, while 9 investors in the deal funneled $145 million to the Clinton Foundation.
Hillary Clinton appointed a top donor to a national security board with top secret access – even though he had no national security credentials.
Hillary Clinton accepted $58,000 in jewelry from the government of Brunei when she was Secretary of State – plus millions more for her foundation. The Sultan of Brunei has pushed oppressive Sharia law, including the punishment of death by stoning for being gay. The government of Brunei also stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Hillary’s Trans-Pacific Partnership, which she would absolutely approve if given the chance.
Hillary Clinton took up to $25 million from Saudi Arabia, where being gay is also punishable by death.
Hillary took millions from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and many other countries that horribly abuse women and LGBT citizens.
To cover-up her corrupt dealings, Hillary Clinton illegally stashed her State Department emails on a private server.
Her server was easily hacked by foreign governments – perhaps even by her financial backers in Communist China – putting all of America in danger.
Then there are the 33,000 emails she deleted.
While we may not know what is in those deleted emails, our enemies probably do.
So they probably now have a blackmail file over someone who wants to be President of the United States.
This fact alone disqualifies her from the Presidency.
We can’t hand over our government to someone whose deepest, darkest secrets may be in the hands of our enemies.
National security is also immigration security –
and Hillary wants neither.
Hillary Clinton has put forward the most radical immigration platform in the history of the United States.
She has pledged to grant mass amnesty and in her first 100 days, end virtually all immigration enforcement, and thus create totally open borders in the United States
The first victims of her radical policies will be poor African-American and Hispanic workers who need jobs. They are the ones she will hurt the most.
Let me share with you a letter our campaign received from Mary Ann Mendoza.
She lost her amazing son, Police Sergeant Brandon Mendoza, after he was killed by an illegal immigrant because of the open borders policies supported by Hillary Clinton.
Sadly, the Mendoza family is just one of thousands who have suffered the same fate.
Here is an excerpt from Mrs. Mendoza’s letter:
“Hillary Clinton, who already has the blood of so many on her hands, is now announcing that she is willing to put each and every one of our lives in harms’ way – an open door policy to criminals and terrorists to enter our country. Hillary is not concerned about you or I, she is only concerned about the power the presidency would bring to her. She needs to go to prison to pay for the crimes she has already committed against this country.”
Hillary also wants to spend hundreds of billions to resettle Middle Eastern refugees in the United States, on top of the current record level of immigration.
For the amount of money Hillary Clinton would like to spend on refugees, we could rebuild every inner city in America.
Hillary’s Wall Street immigration agenda will keep immigrant communities poor, and unemployed Americans out of work. She can’t claim to care about African-American and Hispanic workers when she wants to bring in millions of new low-wage workers
to compete against them.
Here are a few things a Trump Administration will do for America in the first 100 days:
Appoint judges who will uphold the Constitution. Hillary Clinton’s radical judges will virtually abolish the 2nd amendment.
Change immigration rules to give unemployed Americans an opportunity to fill good-paying jobs
Stand up to countries that cheat on trade, of which there are many
Cancel rules and regulations that send jobs overseas
Lift restrictions on energy production
Repeal and replace job-killing Obamacare -- it is a disaster.
Pass massive tax reform to create millions of new jobs.
Impose tough new ethics rules to restore dignity to the Office of Secretary of State.
There is one common theme in all of these reforms.
It’s going to be America First.
This is why the stakes in November are so great.
On election day, the politicians stand trial before the people.
The voters are the jury. Their ballots are the verdict. We don’t need or want another Clinton or Obama.
Come November, the American people will have a chance to issue a verdict on the politicians that have sacrificed their security, betrayed their prosperity, and sold out
their country.
They will have a chance to vote for a new agenda with big dreams, bold ideas and enormous possibilities for the American people.
Hillary Clinton’s message is old and tired. Her message is that can’t change.
My message is that things have to change – and this is our one chance do it. This is our last chance to do it.
Americans are the people that tamed the West, that dug out the Panama Canal, that sent satellites across the solar system, that built the great dams, and so much more.
Then we started thinking small.
We stopped believing in what America could do, and became reliant on other countries, other people, and other institutions.
We lost our sense of purpose, and daring.
But that’s not who we are.
Come this November, we can bring America back – bigger and better, and stronger than ever.
We will build the greatest infrastructure on the planet earth – the roads and railways and airports of tomorrow.
Our military will have the best technology and finest equipment – we will bring it back all the way.
Massive new factories will come roaring into our country – breathing life and hope into our communities.
Inner cities, which have been horribly abused by Hillary Clinton and the Democrat Party, will finally be rebuilt.
Construction is what I know -- nobody knows it better.
The real wages for our workers have not been raised for 18 years -- but these wages will start going up, along with the new jobs. Hillary’s massive taxation, regulation and open borders will destroy jobs and drive down wages for everyone.
We are also going to be supporting our police and law enforcement -- we can never forget the great job they do.
I am also going to appoint great Supreme Court Justices.
Our country is going to start working again.
People are going to start working again.
Parents are going to start dreaming big for their children again – including parents in our inner cities.
Americans are going to start believing in the future or our country.
We are going to make America rich again.
We are going to make America safe again.
We are going to make America Great Again – and Great Again For EVERYONE.
http://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/transcript-trump-speech-on-the-stakes-of-the-election-224654
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Aleksander Kwaśniewski Opening speech of the "European Union expansion policy" conference 20.02.2003 Warsaw Source: In the Drive Opening speech of the President of the Republic of Poland, Aleksander Kwaśniewski, opening the international conference "The Policy of the Enlarged European Union towards New Neighbours", 20-21 February 2003 Opening the conference, the President of the Republic of Poland said m.in: "I am very happy to participate in today's conference. Currently, the attention of the public opinion is absorbed primarily by problems related to what is happening in Iraq, with the danger of the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Poland actively participates in this global debate, but regardless of this, we must talk about other issues, and this is what this conference is about. Nobody can exempt us from dealing with such important matters, which will have a significant impact on the future of our country and our continent, including Polish, and which result from our location on the continent, from our neighbourhood. The conference entitled "The policy of the enlarged EU towards new neighbours" fits perfectly into today's needs. I congratulate the organizers and I believe that it proves that we can think not only about current issues, but also in a more serious, long-term perspective. I would also like to emphasize that the initiative of the Stefan Batory Foundation, which in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took up this topic and organized the conference. In my opinion, it is a good example of a modern approach to foreign policy, in particularwhich, apart from governments and traditional diplomacy, the importance of international organizations, the non-governmental sector, intellectual and cultural circles, churches, employers is growing. We all need the energy, knowledge and talents of those people who want to engage in such activities. I am pleased that politicians and experts are meeting here today, representing the EU institutions and individual Member States, as well as candidate countries and those countries that will soon be the Union's neighbours to the east. I think that we are dealing with an excellent forum for joint reflection on the prospects for integration and the vision of European cooperation. The European Union, enlarged by new countries, will significantly move to the east. For the first time, so clearly, it will embrace at its eastern end the line where the Latin civilization met the Byzantine civilization for centuries. It will also cross the borders of the former Soviet Union. The enlarged Union will have to redefine its relations with the countries that will become its immediate neighbours to the east. Poland can and should play a significant role in the formulation of this eastern policy of the EU. Within the EU community, the Common Foreign and Security Policy is being born, although not without difficulties, turbulence and controversy. There is a natural division of tasks in this area. It is understandable, for example, that France and Italy have more to say in the Mediterranean than they do in the Mediterranean.Finland or Germany. It is also often pointed out that thanks to Spain's accession to the EU, the whole united Europe has become more competent in relations with the countries of South and Latin America. I am therefore convinced that Polish membership in the Union will add competences to the entire European community in relations with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It is difficult to imagine that the European Union's Eastern policy of strategic importance, as well as the EU's Eastern dimension, which is a network of broad regional cooperation, could be shaped without Poland or over Polish's head. After all, it is here, in our country, that from 1 May 2004 the East will meet united Europe. If there are such opinion-forming circles in the West and such politicians who would like to see us as a peripheral country, then they should see a new dimension of this peripherality today, which is not a problem, but becomes a chance for the whole uniting Europe! Building lasting, trusting, friendly relations with all our neighbours is one of the most important successes of Polish foreign policy after 1989. Even where the wounds of painful history have divided us, we have succeeded in undertaking the work of reconciliation, in setting out on the path towards the future. What Poland has built in its efforts with its neighbours, including those from the east, is a great success of Europe, of the whole of Europe. And if today we hear questions about what we, Poles, can doto the EU's Eastern policy, we can answer: the trust that our Eastern partners have in us, experience in cooperation and knowledge of the changes taking place in these countries. And maybe one more remark, which in a nutshell shows what has happened in recent years and where you are. Well, our conference is taking place in Warsaw, the capital of Polish, which for the last dozen or so years has not really changed its borders by a single centimeter. During these several years, all our neighbors have changed, none of the neighbors from before 1989 exists anymore. There is no Soviet Union, no German Democratic Republic, no Czechoslovakia. We have seven new neighbours known in this group – Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Lithuania – and the fact that we have managed not only to sign the right treaties with all of them, but also to build trust and good cooperation is proof that this region is an exporter of European stability. And we also know how many places on our continent we are dealing with instability, violence, tensions and conflicts, including those of an ethnic nature. I speak about this with pride and with an offer to all those who would like to use the example of how to build cooperation and trust in changing conditions and political systemsand dialogue. Today, we must also consider where the limits of EU enlargement lie. It cannot be ruled out that in the further future our continent may be much more integrated. Some of the countries in the East, such as Ukraine, have already formulated their expectations regarding association with the EU, as well as their own prospects for membership. The EU will review the Joint Strategies on Russia and Ukraine in June and July, after four years. Also this year, a proposal for action by the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy under the so-called "New Neighbourhood Initiative" will be presented. We are pleased that these projects will be consulted with future Member States. Poland will present new initiatives in this matter. Mutual rapprochement must be helped. The European Community should commit itself to eliminating economic and legal differences between the EU and the countries of its eastern neighbourhood. It is necessary to take into account the specificity of these young countries and support them in further transformations: in strengthening democracy and the rule of law, in building an efficient free market economy, in the development of civil society. A good example of such an initiative, which was recognized in the international arena, was the organization of the conference "Ukraine in Europe" in Warsaw four months ago. Poland wants the entire great belt, from the Baltic to the Adriatic and the Black Sea, to be as much as possibleunderstanding, trusting and cooperating. Countries of Central, Eastern and Southern Europe; both those whose path leads to membership in NATO and the European Union, as well as those that will remain outside these structures, should strengthen mutual ties and share experiences. It was with this thought in mind that I presented the so-called Riga Initiative in July last year. The main objectives of this broad regional cooperation are to support the processes of transition and to jointly fight international terrorism and crime. This initiative is also intended to prevent the emergence of a sense of rejection in countries that will remain outside Euro-Atlantic structures, and to counteract their marginalisation in European relations. I would like to inform you that in March in Warsaw there will be consultations of 17 countries interested in participating in this Initiative. The closer we are to the enlargement of the Union, the more carefully we should listen to the expectations of the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood. There are fears that after the enlargement of the Union, the continent will not be separated by a new curtain, even if it were a curtain of velvet. Countries such as Ukraine fear that the new EU members will focus on consuming the benefits of the EU and turn their backs on their neighbors to the east, which are struggling with many difficulties. We understand these concerns and try to meet them. During a recent meeting with the President of Ukraine, we jointly announced that from July 1, 2003,Ukraine will not introduce visas for Polish citizens, while Poland will waive fees for issuing visas for Ukrainian citizens. We will also expand consulates and border crossings. We want the border between our countries to be safe, to be effective in defending against negative phenomena, such as terrorism or organized crime, but we want it to be a really friendly border. The Polish experience of the last dozen or so years leads to a rather banal but important conclusion: we must not forget about our neighbours, we must not turn our backs on them. They should be included as much as possible in partnerships, mobilised to undertake the necessary reforms and supported on this difficult path. And this path is sometimes more difficult than the one we have walked ourselves. But above all, we must have trust in them and faith in a common future in a united Europe! Times are difficult and nervous, strong and too strong words are spoken, most often unnecessary, but I believe that when these emotions subside, we can notice what a great work of real European unification lies ahead of us. The work of ensuring our nations, states and the entire continent security, good cooperation and an optimistic perspective. I am convinced that when we look at it in this way, looking for essential values and separating themfrom the various immediate problems that occupy us, we will build a united Europe in which there will be room for the West and the East, the South and the North, and above all, there will be a place for people who want to live in security and peace, with hope for themselves and their children. In this spirit, I greet this Conference and I hope that the proceedings will give many interesting reflections for effective and wise decisions. | 1 | 54 |
Speech by A. Butkevičius to President D. Grybauskaitė in the Seimas when submitting his candidacy for Prime Minister 2014 Honourable Speaker of the Seimas, Members of the Seimas, thank you for the opportunity to check the confidence in the Government in the Representation of the Nation. It is a great privilege and honor for me to present the activities and future works of the Sixteenth Government. Having started working a year and a half ago, the Cabinet of Ministers announced a measure of the effectiveness of its activities. The won Independence must ensure a better life for the people of Lithuania not somewhere else, but here, in our historical Homeland. The face of the economic hardship, which has not yet ended, did not prevent a fundamental change in attitudes towards the state's economy. The sixteenth Government proposed another path for the creation of the welfare of the state. Reducing excessive constraints, supporting job creation and promoting businesses and investment in every way to increase people's incomes, reduce poverty and social exclusion between metropolitan areas and regions. Not to dictate our own order, but to find the best solutions together with the social partners. We will adhere to the guidelines of this path, which lead Lithuania to the leaders of economic growth in the European Union, in the future. Unemployment in the country is steadily falling, and the average wage has increased by as much as 6.2 percent. And that's the biggest wage growth in the last five years. However, Lithuania will become really strong when its regions recover, when those who have left during the recession want to return to them. That is why we will continue to focus on the regions, with billions of investments. The sixteenth Government accepted the challenge of reducing the energy of record highsprices and strengthening Lithuania's energy independence from the monopoly source of the East. Already at the end of last year, the decisions made it possible to stop the growth of electricity and gas prices. The resumption of negotiations with the Russian concern Gazprom has also yielded good results - since July 1, natural gas tariffs for domestic consumers have been falling by an average of 20 percent. After the buy-out of a shareholding in Gazprom and the German company EON, we ensured state control over strategic companies transporting and selling natural gas. We will continue the renovation of buildings according to the new model, the transformation of the heat economy, biofuels and other programs that will help to modernize Lithuanian energy and reduce prices for consumers. In the social field, we not only stand by our commitment to compensate for the pensions expropriated by the former Government, but we plan to start increasing them from next year. We will also use the additional budget to raise the salaries of the lowest earners. For those who do not have or are not able to find a job, the Employment Program provides for various forms of employment, return to the labor market. We are creating a pension system that will reduce the risks of political intervention and provide for an objective mechanism for maintaining value. The labor code governing labor relations will ensure a qualitatively new balance between social security and flexibility in relations. Over the past year, we have significantly reduced youth unemployment by 4.8 percentage points. This is one of the best indicators in the European Union. As part of the European Social Democratic Youth Guarantee, which was supported by the Council of the European Union last year and for which funding has already been provided, we will make up for young peoplebetter conditions for finding a job. The financial perspective for 2014- 2020 is a field of great opportunities for our state. Therefore, we are directing the funds of support to the programs of new technologies and innovations, cooperation between science and business, because they are the best tools for the state to strengthen its powers and not to lose in competitive battles. In many areas, the Sixteenth Government was only halfway through its work. Lithuania's economic growth base needs to be further strengthened. We will continue to create a favourable environment for business and investment, especially in the areas of innovative technologies, expand exports to new markets, apply new measures in the fight against corruption and the black economy, for example, by introducing a smart tax administration system. These are not empty promises. When, just over a year ago, we announced an ambitious ambition for the introduction of the euro, it seems that only our Government believed in this. Now no one doubts that the euro will certainly be from 2015. But this required not only words, but also very responsible and hard work. We are ready for this kind of work. I ask for your trust and invite you to work together. Thank you for your attention. | 0 | 39 |
Time for true values 23.07.2002 http://politika.lv/article/laiks-patiesam-vertibam Einars Repše More than 10 years have passed since the restoration of our Latvian independence. We are once again masters in our own land. In the ten years since independence, we have not achieved the well-being of the people. That is unacceptable to me. I do not accept the irresponsibility of the ruling coalition, corruption at the highest levels, the ruined health care system, the inefficient administration of the country and the impoverishment of the people. I want to change this situation. Conscience team. Honesty and professionalism. Openness and responsibility. These are also the principles of our work. Power for me is nothing more than hard work and a duty to serve Latvia and its people in good faith. Openness. Honesty. Professionalism. Working capacity. Values that are important to me, both as a citizen and as a statesman. My experience in establishing the Bank of Latvia shows that it is possible to implement them in practice. One has only to want to do it in good faith. The highest value is always and everywhere a person. So far, it has been the other way around – the state has done everything to complicate the lives of its honest citizens, while the unscrupulous are using the state for selfish purposes and are unpunished. It is necessary to change this principle - the state must ensure order, but minimally interfere with economic and public processes. The state must offer simple and understandable laws that defend the rights and freedoms of the individual. The state must work in such a way as to make life as easy as possible for a citizen and an entrepreneur. Thomas Jefferson said: "Wiseand thrifty is a government that discourages people from wrongdoing, but that otherwise allows them to decide for themselves how to work and build their lives, and which does not take away from the mouth of the workman the mouthful of bread he has earned. That's the nature of good government." Thomas Jefferson's positions resonate with the political theory of libertarianism, which is considered the content of liberal capitalism and gained special opportunities for growth and popularity under US President Reagan. Its features were also present in Britain, symbolized by the policies pursued by Margaret Thatcher. The radical measures taken by these two politicians restored confidence in the country's economy, the state and the abilities of its citizens. The basic view of libertarianism is that all people possess a certain set of rights that, even because of collective or state interests, cannot be changed or taken away. The origin of the law is not specifically formulated, however, significant attention is paid to the fact that it takes precedence over politics and the state. State intervention, according to the Austrian economist Hayek, is unacceptable, not only because it reduces rights, but above all because it runs counter to human autonomy and uniqueness. I would like to achieve the arrangement of the Latvian state on simple and clear foundations - ones that are recognised as good by the citizens of Latvia, rather than the previous state power that has hitherto been associated with the interest club of some of the ruling politicians. Peoples of LatviaThe restoration of prosperity is unthinkable if the ruling coalition does not fulfil, or selfishly fulfills the duties imposed on it by its citizens, if it does not ensure order and lawfulness. The well-being of the people of Latvia is unthinkable if corruption reigns in the country. New Time party - a grassroots movement supporting right-wing, private initiative, entrepreneurship and free competition. It defends and safeguards the rights and freedoms of every individual, including protection against the arbitrariness of the State. Free and honest work is our key to restoring Latvia's prosperity. This is the preamble to the joint work of our conscience team. These, too, are values that are important to me as a citizen and as a politician. These are values that are important to most of the nation. Support for private initiative, protection of citizens from state arbitrariness, free and fair work. We will achieve the introduction of a system of compulsory free health insurance, education will be available to everyone, corruption will be eradicated, and the country will finally work for its citizens. This requires new - open, professional, orderly and responsible actions. | 1 | 71 |
INEP Internet for the Political Professional 2005 Felipe Calderón: Message on Swearing in as a Presidential Candidate. Dec. 4 PAN friends: With emotion and with a deep sense of commitment, I gladly accept the high honor and responsibility of being the candidate of National Action for the Presidency of the Republic. I do so with the conviction that it is the fulfillment of civic duty that can only save Mexico. I do so with the joy of someone who begins his life in search of a different and better Mexico. I accept it friends and I also promise you one thing: not only am I going to be the candidate of the PAN, I am also going to be President of Mexico. Thank you to all the militants of the PAN and thank you also, free citizens, leaders of civil society who, without being PAN members, are sharing with us here our desires and hopes. I also want to thank and especially all of you, friends, who after long hours of walking did not reach a place in this enclosure of the Palacio de los Deportes and who are out there and remain firm at the gates of the enclosure. Thank you all. Also to those who from their homes observe us andThey listen through radio and television. At the same time, I would like to send a greeting from here to those who had the courage to guide us on the historic page of the year 2000, and I greet with affection our comrade and friend Vicente Fox Quesada, President of Mexico. Friends: today is a day of celebration for everyone. Today we finish an internal process that, as Manuel said, has been exemplary in the democratic life of Mexico, a contest that recovered the spirit and hope of the people and that put the PAN back on the path to electoral victory. We go into the elections with the advantage of being the only party that chose its candidate in a truly competitive, truly democratic and truly legitimate internal electoral process. Look, while democracy divides and even violates others, internal democracy unites us and strengthens us because we are democrats. That is why the PAN arrives united and strengthened and that is why I am also grateful for the democratic conviction, the human quality and the decisive support of my colleagues and friends who are pre-candidates, Santiago Creel and Alberto Cárdenas, who are present here. I also thank the Internal Election Commission andto its President María Elena Alvarez de Vicencio for the responsible work in the process. Among the electoral options, between parties and candidates, PAN, we are the only party and the only candidacy that is clearly on the rise, our adversaries have been campaigning for several years and yet in a few weeks we have already caught up with them and we are going to beat them. I belong to a new generation of Mexicans, our generation had to witness the fall of the Berlin Wall, the emergence of the Internet, the economic opening of Communist Asia. We had to see in Mexico the end of authoritarianism and the beginning of democratic life, in the world the end of the Cold War and the Accelerated Global Integration of the entire World. http://inep.org Powered by Joomla! Generated: 12 April, 2011, 14:14 INEP Internet for the political professional We saw the fall of real socialism and at the same time we see new and increasingly violent terrorism emerge. We are also experiencing in Mexico the resounding failure of statism and populism. We had to pay the price of demagoguery, the price of the irresponsible and corrupt government of that philanthropic ogre who spent the money ofall and indebted the country for several generations. That is why ours was called the generation of the crisis: always a crisis at the door, always a devaluation that spoiled everything; always the prices upwards; always unemployment; always despair. We pay the price of the demagogues and the corrupt who are not others, they are the same ones with whom we now compete because it is no coincidence, friends, that in those PRI, demagogues and corrupt governments both Roberto Madrazo and Andrés Manuel López Obrador worked very happily. Beaten, young people of my generation, by the irresponsibility of the government; outraged by the looting of the national wealth that was taken to the penthouses of Miami, our generation had to make its way without democracy and without economic growth. In the last two decades, Mexico had to reinvent itself; reinvent themselves in the economy, in society, in culture and in politics. Half of our lives we have participated in this reinvention of Mexico. I spent my youth with you, in the trenches of principled politics, in the peaceful struggle for the establishment of democracy in Mexico and in the search for a better lifeand more dignified for all Mexicans. I had to see the end of agrarian distribution, the autonomy of the Bank of Mexico, the recognition of religious freedom; to participate in the creation of the citizen IFE and, of course, in the fall of the hegemonic majority of the PRI. In the year 2000, we fought together to get the PRI out of Los Pinos, and we succeeded and from here I tell the PRI that it will never return. In short, friends, I tell you friends that I am very proud of the generation that defeated the PRI of yesterday and that is going to defeat the PRD of today. The 2006 election will be different from the 2000 election. The 2000 election was an election of transition and alternation; today the 2006 election is going to be an election that defines the direction of the country, and the dilemma that opens up to Mexico forces us to decide, all Mexicans, between two options: between the past and the future. The past, of course, is the PRI, a past of corruption, of complicity, which has hurt Mexico and must not return. But the past, friends, the past is also thePRD. A mistaken vision of a world that no longer exists; a mistaken vision of a closed economy, where competition from other countries, according to them, is irrelevant or even non-existent, and where it was thought that government money was enough for everything. These visions of the past led Mexico to failure. The irresponsibility of those who led the destiny of the country left several generations of Mexicans without work, without opportunities and without hope. In Mexico, friends, sometimes in Mexico it seems that the past is always stronger than the future. And you know what? Today the challenge is to make the future stronger than the past. Why? Because the past, the past cannot be changed, but the future can; The future can be built because we are made of freedom and dignity. Mexico, friends, has a rich history of which I am proud as you are, but this recent history that you made us live, we will have to shake it, because it is a history that should not be repeated, that of authoritarianism and corruption and demagoguery; because I call you to live forward, because you have to live and have projects that allow us toto win a better life for every Mexican. It is time, friends, for this long democratic and economic transition in Mexico to come to an end. In this hour of definitions, it is time for a new generation of Mexicans to take the leadership of the country. These generations http://inep.org Powered by Joomla! Generated: 12 April, 2011, 14:14 INEP Internet for the professional of Mexican politics, to those of this century, I call on you not to anchor yourself in the past and to decide all to build, in a resolute way, a better future for Mexico, and we are going to achieve it. Manuel Gómez Morín, that great Mexican, called on the young people of the 20s to participate in the reconstruction of Mexico, once the Mexican Revolution was over. Gómez Morín's generation of young people was the generation of the great revolutionary turn. The generation of us, the Mexicans of today, has to be the generation of the great democratic turning point in the life of Mexico, because the great challenge of today, friends, the challenge of our generation, is to make democracy a success story; it is to make Mexico a winning country in democracy. And I say thatit is a historic challenge, because Mexico has never experienced a stable democratic stage, like the one we achieved in the year 2000, because it is time to live it fully and to live it without setbacks. I want, PAN members, I dream, I fight for a Mexico freed from its complexes and its myths. A Mexico in which instead of burying our talents and complaining bitterly about our shortcomings, it makes the most of each and every one of its resources and puts them into production, and gives the new generations a multiplied and better distributed wealth. While others refuse to see that the world changes, that it competes with us and that it beats us, I want to see a Mexico that rises up and does not bend down; a Mexico that also changes, a Mexico that not only competes, but beats that world. We, friends, are not afraid of the world; We are going to compete with him and we are going to beat him. That is why I call on everyone, a new generation of Mexicans in particular, I call on the young people present here who will be on the front line of battle. I call on you all to take control of powerpublic, in all its instances, and to put it, to endorse it, to guarantee it at the service of the citizenry. I call on all Mexicans to shake off the fear of being better, to leave behind our prejudices, to leave behind our fears that have tied us to mediocrity and inadequacy. In the search for that different Mexico we are going to have an unbreakable alliance. Our alliance, friends, will not be based on petty accounting of interests, but on the basis of genuine concern for the principles and values we defend; for the value of honesty, for the value of the human person, for freedom, for the family, for democracy, for justice, for respect for the law. Ours will be an alliance in defense of values and not a complicity with mercenaries of politics. Ours will be a great alliance with the citizens and with no one else, and to the citizens I say that I will continue to base my campaign on the strength of those values and the strength of ideas. That is why I have proposed, for the Nation, five great fundamental challenges for Mexico: The first of these challenges is to makeMexico a country of laws. Without the rule of law, it will not be possible, without law, to have peace, to have security or to have growth. Without a law that is enforced, friends, there will be no future for Mexico. That is why I will be a President who gives certainty to citizens, who gives certainty to the housewife that her children will return home safely. That gives certainty to the secretary and the employees in the minibuses, that they will have security, that gives certainty to those who live here and invest and create jobs in Mexico, that give certainty in the law to all Mexicans. The second challenge, friends, is to build a competitive economy, capable of giving Mexicans a dignified, well-paid, stable job that allows them to take control of their destiny. The challenge is to have an economy that takes advantage of our resources and puts them at the service of man. The world has changed, the world has changed drastically, and I see with concern that our guys http://inep.org Powered by Joomla! Generated: 12 April, 2011, 14:14 INEP Internet for the political professional finish school andthey can't find work. While this is happening, those who represent the past continue to propose a Mexico locked in its inefficiencies and while they insist that Mexico bury its head in the sand, the boys are left without work and their jobs go to other countries and other continents. Slaves of their prejudices and myths, those politicians of the past canceled a dignified life for the majority of Mexicans; that is why it is no coincidence, friends, that Mexico City, which was recently governed by one of my opponents, under his government became the federal entity with the highest unemployment rate in Mexico and the highest crime rate in all of Latin America. The lack of productive opportunities led to a painful migration of millions of Mexicans to the United States. Today we must leave behind that painful past of misery and injustice and if the generations of the past, for example, saw investment as a threat, I call on them to see investment as the opportunity we have to have the jobs we need, that instead of our people continuing to leave, risking one's life, to look for work where capital is, betterthat investment comes here, that investment comes here, where our labor force is, and that families do not continue to be divided, that the towns of Michoacán, Jalisco or Zacatecas or Guanajuato or all of Mexico do not continue to be divided. The third challenge, friends, is to guarantee equal opportunities, that it is not misery or the place where you are born that forever marks the lives of Mexican children, it means that Tojolabal children do not take classes outdoors but in decent schools. He demands that the families of La Huasteca do not have to travel hundreds of kilometers of roads, sometimes impassable, before finding a place to care for a seriously ill person. It implies the right to an even start in life without distinction of class, region or economic income. In that winning Mexico that I propose, in that Mexico of the future, the government focuses its efforts on equal opportunities. The government focuses its efforts on including the poorest, the dispossessed. A Mexico that is equal for equally dignified human beings. A Mexico that equalizes and protects the elderly, the elderly, and the elderly.women, the disabled, these great Mexicans with special abilities. Equal to the opportunity of life for children without parents, for peasants without land, for students without work, for single mothers, for lonely old people. That is why I want to be President of Mexico. That is why I am going to be President of Mexico. I am going to be President of Mexico because I want to be the President for that aggrieved Mexico, for that marginalized Mexico, the Mexico of misery and oblivion, for that Mexico of the south that is not a geographical south, but a sociological one in this unequal homeland of ours. Misery friends, misery is also at the root of the deterioration of nature and that is why I also want to take on the challenge of sustainable development of growth in harmony with the preservation of the environment, because I want our children, yours and mine, to breathe clean air, so that one day they can see that the Tula River is not a dead river. that they can see the lakes where our cultures emerged, that our jungles and our forests are preserved for them, that they are not destroyed by the irresponsibility of human beings. I also want, friends, a Mexicowhere we have as a challenge to move from effective suffrage to effective democracy, to a democracy that is accountable to citizens, that means changes in everyone's quality of life. http://inep.org Powered by Joomla! Generated: 12 April, 2011, 14:14 INEP Internet for the political professional A democracy that is not merely representative, but that is truly participatory. A responsible domestic policy and a responsible and active foreign policy that takes care of those who are working far from home, away from their land and away from their family. A diplomacy that strengthens Mexico's leadership and fulfills our commitment to the universal values of man. Friends: I have said and I repeat it, the Mexico of the past is the Mexico that misses penalties at the hour of the hour, the winning Mexico, the Mexico of the future, the Mexico that is coming is, on the other hand, that of the U-17, the one of those boys who do not wrinkle in front of anyone and who are World Champions. I too, friends, want a Mexico that does not wrinkle before anyone. I also want a World Champion Mexico. That is the winning Mexico. Let's leaveBehind us, let's leave behind forever the caricature that has been made of us, the Mexico that is coming, friends, the Mexico for which we fight is not going to be lying on the ground, it is not going to be with its head down and covered by its hat, it is going to be standing up and it is going to be looking straight ahead at the world sure of itself. It's going to be a winning Mexico, friends. A winning Mexico and we are going to achieve it, we are going to achieve it for our children and for the children of all Mexicans. For that Mexico that is coming, for that winning Mexico, all citizens go together, it is our time, victory is ours. We are going for it, we are going together until victory. Thanks a lot. http://inep.org Powered by Joomla! Generated: 12 April, 2011, 14:14 | 0 | 6 |
Leader: Emil Boc, Prime-minister of Romania Title: Speech at the launch of the democrat-liberal candidates for the local elections by the president of the Democrat-Liberal Party, Emil Boc. Date: 6 May 2012 Length: 1370 words Link: http://www.politicaromaneasca.ro/files/fisiere/discursBoc.pdf Speech of PDL President Emil Boc at the launch of the Liberal Democratic candidates 6 May 2012 , Polyvalent Hall Welcome back! And welcome to our launch event for the PDL candidates for the June 2012 local elections. Welcome to Bucharest! My dear colleagues, in politics it is the same as in life, and in life we know well that true characters and real people are known and we recognize them when we are in difficulty. For the better, there are many with us, both personally and as a party, but those who truly believe in the PDL and believe in our value remain in difficulty. For this, I thank you because, no matter how difficult it was for you and how difficult it is for us, this authentic fiber of the PDL will help us win future political battles, as we have won them all, since 2004. I know that it has not been an easy thing to build a wall in these yearsaround the PDL and to resist in these difficult times. I tell you again, very openly and in all sincerity, we have no reason, we, the pedelists, to regret what we have done or to be ashamed of what we have done. I want you to know that through what you have done together with the PDL, you have avoided and we have avoided this country from ending up in the nightmare of Greek debts or in the Spanish nightmare of what unemployment and inflation mean. You did this, and this party, I repeat, should have been ashamed if it ran away from such a responsibility and did not defend Romania from the hardships it has gone through. This party sacrificed its votes and image for Romania to go through this period of economic crisis and I am convinced that the political reward will also come. The important thing is to be intelligent and to know, at the right time, how to reap the political fruits of our work. For this, dear colleagues, I thank you for being real people, true characters, that is, you are true pedelists. This is the strength and power of the PDL. Yes, it's true, I've made mistakes sometimes. In these years, there were also people who opportunistically stuck to us. It was aa party that from 7% exceeded over 30%/, inevitably they were also opportunists. Now, here, look how many of us there are, folks. Look what this hall looks like. This hall is full of authentic people, of people who, I repeat, put their shoulder to the test not only when it is good for us. For this we appreciate you and for this we will go together to win the next elections. The PDL has taken Romania out of the storm of the economic crisis. If today our country stands tall in the face of the storm, which is still in Europe, it is thanks to you, due to the fact that the right thing was done in time and in time, so that Romania is not brought to its knees by the economic crisis. So trust that through what we have done, through the competition we will enter in the coming days, we will give the PDL what we all know we will have - the return to government in December. The PDL's objective is very clear: the first battle that follows is always the hardest, and the battle of the local elections is really a hard battle. to formThe Government and continue the government, but the first step will be on June 10, the date of the local elections, when we will reconfirm the percentages we had in 2008. The 869 mayors and the 14 presidents of county councils will be the basis and the nucleus for our return to government in December 2012. I want you to know that what is being discussed these days, the topic of salary reintegration, is 100% the product and effort of the PDL. This was and will be possible, thanks to the efforts that the PDL governments, represented by me and Mr. Ungureanu, have made it possible for us to discuss these things today. I want you to know that, ever since the letter with the International Monetary Fund, in December 2011, and in the report on the 2012 budget, we have been preparing this measure. In the economy, you should know that there are no miracles that happen overnight. The European Commission or the International Monetary Fund would not accept any kind of wage replenishment, if we were not economically prepared; however, this is what the Liberal Democratic Party did. We have taken those necessary decisions, but now, I repeat, the country is able to stand up straight in the face of the economic difficulties in the European Union and you should know that in theOutside the country, many people wonder how this country succeeded. How did it manage to go from an economic downturn of minus 7 in 2009 to +2.5 in 2011 and to continue economic growth in 2012. How did we manage, from a potential deficit of minus 14, if we had followed Tariceanu's policies, to reach a 3% deficit in 2012. This is what those in the European Union are trying to do today, in order to save the euro. Today, Romania has one of the lowest public debts in the European Union. If we had thrown ourselves into populist policies, Romania would have been in the nightmare of Greece or Spain, at least, today. Because this party and you have made sacrifices, for this, Romania is stable, for this we must have the courage and dignity to stand in front of any Romanian and explain these things, because I tell you once again: we have every reason to be proud that we are PDL-ists, for what we have done for Romania, And I am convinced, as I told you, that the political reward will also return, in the next period./Rduinu/SDM2 In conclusion, a few words about what we have in front of us, from a political point of view. It is veryClearly: the Liberal Democratic Party will not vote for the Ponta Government. It is not possible to vote for a government, a penal government, full of incompatibilities and which, the first measure it proposes is to increase the number of government portfolios by 16%. This is the form of respect of the PSD, of the USL towards the Romanians, increasing the number of ministries at a time when Romania and Europe still need a lot of attention and prudence. For them, however, the most important things are the stumps - whether they are governmental or of another nature - and the satisfaction of the private and group interests of those in the USL. Otherwise, how do you explain proposing a government with a lot of people with criminal problems and incompatibilities? How do you explain the fact that this government, which Ponta announces, has as its first objective to give up what Romanians voted for in 2009, namely to reduce the number of parliamentarians to 300? What respect do these people have for democracy and for the vote given by our people, given by Romanians, in fact, in the referendum? These are profound forms of violation of the respect required in a democracy. What government can this be that proposes an extremely controversial character to the Ministry of Education,Which aims, first of all, to kill state education, to introduce, again, theft from the baccalaureate and mediocrity in Romanian education? Such a minister, such a government will never be supported by the PDL. This education reform that we have done with such difficulty and you see that the appreciations are everywhere in Europe and Romanians have seen what it means to have a correct baccalaureate and to make everyone receive a diploma that has coverage behind it. What does the USL actually want? To return, again, to the diploma factories without coverage. They bury Romania, because they bury performance. With such a government, the PDL will never agree and will militate against such an approach. We have to defend all these healthy things that we have done, even if they cost us politically: that it is the education reform, that it is the justice reforms, that it is the reform of the Labor Code, these are healthy things that give a different way of thinking in this country. These things must be defended by us, because they represent the health of the Romanian political system. For this, dear colleagues, we are going to enter the local electoral battle. I will stand by you and, together, we will win the electionsLocal. May God help us! | 1 | 59 |
Mirek Topolánek: Openning Word of the Chairman 26.11.2005 Mirek Topolánek: Opening Speech of the ODS Chairman 16th ODS Congress, Brno, [ Dear delegates, dear and honourable guests, ladies and gentlemen, I cordially welcome you once again to our, already sixteenth, congress, this time in Brno. There is no doubt that we want and must capitalize on their successes, positive and negative experiences in our election campaign. I ask that we all feel strongly that this congress is the right, fundamental step in our upcoming six-month pilgrimage and that we are not alone on this journey. Everyone walks with us, at home and outside, all who know the price of freedom. We will go to victory together! To begin with, let me thank you all for your patient, meticulous and responsible work in our cities and for our cities, in our regions and for our regions. You are clear proof of the functionality of the ODS program and in this sense the pioneers of our future success. You are, and you know it, one of the pre-election trump cards of our party, you are the basis of the Victory Team and you are rightly becoming a target of opponents. They are rightly afraid of you, of all of us. But we are not afraid of them! After all, our common victorious journey actually began with the communalelections in 2002. Since then, we have been on a winning trajectory. This, however, must not appease or satisfy us. The laurel wreaths dried up on the same day. When I spoke a year ago about the fact that our vision, our main added value, is the defence of freedom and individual freedoms acquired and largely enforced by us after 1989, I had no idea that a year later this fundamental task of ours would be even more urgent and would sound like an imperative today. What the socialists have achieved over the past year, how far they have allowed the communists to enter and make concessions, what methods they are willing to use and abuse, must horrify every decent person in our country. That is why I would like to turn to all such decent people, associations, initiatives and other democratic political parties with a proposal for cooperation in the project of a democratic non-communist alliance, if you want in Kosatík's style - DNA. We are ready to cooperate with all those who, like us, do not intend to allow the return of the Communists to power. Cancer recurrence is more malignant than an old tumor. We can even cooperate on this project with the non-communist part of the Social Democratic Party, the one that does not forget the post-February developments, which will not trade a share of power for its own existence. If the Social Democrats intend to cure their programmatic, personal and moral aridity at the expense of the whole country,sixteen years after the Velvet Revolution, then it is a repeated and unforgivable gamble. We must not allow this to happen, and we will prevent it! Our political opponent is not, as many try to tell us, the Czech left, which supposedly and "basically" represents the nature of our nation, and we are therefore just a kind of anomaly, a dying species. Our real adversary is a coalition of the post-totalitarian Communist Party and opportunist, demagogic and corrupt technologists of power. That is why, with hindsight, I consider it important that we did not succumb to the temptation to make any agreement with the so-called Social Democrats at a time of endless government crises. We would be at odds with a system based on fear, corruption and irresponsibility. They tell us: think of the back wheels, the left is stronger, the right will never win elections, don't close the way to a grand coalition that would stop the communists. But we answer: that is freedom of choice - and also the responsibility of choice. If the united left really wins, which I do not admit, it will be the will of the citizens. But for myself, I say that I don't believe in such a development. On the contrary, I believe in us and I believe in the Czech voters! If the ODS played the unique role of a transformation driver in the 1990s and took full responsibility for it, today, we are again forced to take on no less responsibility together with the citizens - to become a dam, a barricade, a protector and bearer of the ideas of freedom. Bear keepers and rat catchersis trying to push us into a grand coalition after the elections. It is said to be state-forming, comfortable, generally acceptable. But let's be honest. We cannot defend our honour and our seats at the same time, because only one thing can be achieved in this way: to lose both. We will not create a chaste curtain behind which the socialists will once again make indecent deals with the communists. When a certain person talked about allying himself with the Communists and Martians, he was not far from the truth. It has already happened. In both cases. We know the Communists. But the question remains, who are the Martians, where to look for them? A few of them might be found in this hall, although I don't want to believe it, nostalgic witnesses of warm jobs and bargaining, pragmatic businessmen and conjuncturalists. I say quite clearly: our task and mission is to return politics to its content, meaning and credibility. To do away with corruption, unemployment and the demotivating social system. It doesn't work with the current socialists, it doesn't work with the communists, it doesn't work with the Martians either. If, dear Martians, you hide your personal interests, your resentment behind the broad back of our party, and it doesn't matter if it's in VZP or elsewhere, you'd better leave right now! We won't be dragging any junk on the blue road. Your brand is red and heading to hell. Political science precepts say that as long as the party pursues power,behind government responsibility, it becomes a storehouse of thoughts, ideas and program concepts. He has to use that time, because when he is in government, there is no time for anything like that, he has to govern. Anyone who wants to seize or hold power for the sake of power, who has not thought in advance where he wants to lead the country, becomes just a plaything of momentary lobby interests and political pressures. That is why we - and I have advocated this from the beginning - used the time in opposition to first re-establish the basics of our mission and then to build up the professional apparatus, the machine for ideas. We already have a machine, we are finishing the selection of people to operate it. We are setting it in motion so that it will reach the election victory, the light at the end of the tunnel from the election clip, and the hope for change. I would just like to remind you of what you have heard from me repeatedly and many times: the machine is just a means, the real goal is to promote the ideas it carries, to put them into practice and not to disappoint the public. Let us not forget this for the sake of the fleeting vision of power. I am not afraid that such an approach is naïve, that it will not stand up to the so-called pragmatic political vision of those who are willing to sacrifice ideas for momentary profit. Mostly because they don't actually have any. In the end, they alwaysThey will be in a tight spot because pragmatism will not tell them how to overcome real problems. Look at today's government "pragmatists", how unresolved problems roll in front of them like a growing snowball. More and more desperate, more and more insecure and therefore more and more aggressive. In the end, they internally desire that we replace them. Some of them are even ashamed, many of them have long since overcome the ceiling of shame. Why should we be the ones to replace them? Because we have a vision and a goal. We know how to follow him. And we will get to it together! Next year it will be eight years since we have been in opposition - and they were not lost years. The ODS is coming back more informed, more self-confident and more prepared. Better informed in that we have developed topics for which we did not have time or energy at a time of rushing economic reform. The rule of law, the fight against corruption, functioning social services, top-notch education and healthcare, secure old age. These topics were often unjustly not associated with us. And yet they are an integral part of our liberal-conservative program. Now is the time to put them into practice, before the socialists destroy the last remnants of social and intergenerational solidarity, faith in the law, the educational potential of this country, trust in democracy, institutions, the system. ODS is more self-confident today, more mature,more mature. Paradoxically, her years in opposition confirmed the correctness of her ideology, in which many, not only outside the party, stopped believing in the second half of the 1990s. In everything that the socialists reproached us for, they themselves failed completely. They did not bring citizens a miraculous recipe for happiness, but they plunged them into existential uncertainty, overwhelmed them with bureaucracy and corruption, cared more about their officials than about the really needy, bribed their constituencies, who still do not trust them. Perhaps we needed this lesson to stop worrying that citizens will be bribed by the supposed generosity and promises of the left. They won't, because there is nothing to do. Well-being and prosperity must and will be reunited with the word of the right. We are going into the election year prepared like never before. Unlike the socialists, we have always had a detailed political program. However, it will be an unpleasant surprise for them that this time we have not only ideas worked out to the last detail, but also specific proposals that are understandable to voters from all classes. We did not waste time in opposition. We are ready, not least because we have learned to listen better to citizens and to recognise their problems. The blue chance will no longer be just a chance, but a certainty. A certainty for the citizens of this country! They tell us: You are negative, you have no positive program. And we patiently travel around the whole country and introduceOur solution to problems in a breadth and depth that no Czech election campaign can remember. In a friendly and exaggerated way, I warn the journalists present: take note of this, so that you are not the last to notice this change! They tell us: You are weak, you do not know how to face the attacks of the government. And we repeat over and over again that there is no strength in rudeness, and bragging does not hide programmatic nothingness. We don't play the game of pounding empty drums. Maybe we have lost some media battles because of this, because decency is still considered a weakness by some. But decency is not weakness. We will prove that even decency can win elections. That's why we're going to win them! They tell us: you are a party for the rich and your reforms will impoverish ordinary people. And we have prepared changes precisely to protect the weakest, the sick and the endangered. They are among the losers today, while the state bureaucracy is on the winning side. Ordinary people don't have to be afraid of us. Only stowaways, parasites who abuse the system, have to be afraid. We will prove to all those in need, the unemployed and the sick that true solidarity has conservative, not socialist foundations. We are not ashamed of the word social, the socialists just stole it from us for a while, they hid their incompetence behind it. They tell us: you are anti-European and you will lead the country into isolation. And yet we are very successful and active in the international field. However, we do not intend to onlyTo stand idly by and watch the game of the big ones and parrot their, often disadvantageous conclusions for us. We defend the needs of our citizens, companies and the whole country in a way that corresponds to its size, tradition and national interests. We expect the same from our European partners so that the European project continues to bring economic growth and competitiveness to our companies, safety and a higher quality of life to our citizens. Only from discussions and meetings of concepts can a recipe arise for the treatment of the sick lady of Europe, who suffers from the hereditary burden of the welfare state, from the cancer of multiculturalism, from the allergy of anti-Americanism. When I look into the hall, I see a number of our important foreign friends who share the same or similar approaches as we do. Self-confidence and responsibility do not mean weakness and isolation. We have led the Czech Republic on the path leading to NATO and the European Union. However, Europe must not be inefficient, socialist, encapsulated and over-regulated, but competitive, flexible, open and socially sensitive. We want a Europe of equal opportunities, equal rights and obligations, we want a compassionate Europe, not an egalitarian Europe. Today, we are clearly the strongest pro-European force in the Czech Republic, with a strong opinion on the need for changes in functioning and future arrangements. Today, we are the only pro-European party in the Czech Republic that defends the interests of its citizens. Let me now briefly recapitulate. When you first elected me President, I promised you blood, sweat and tears.When you voted for me a second time, I warned against feeling satisfied with past victories. Today we are further along, we know our task, we know each other, we know our strengths, possibilities and weaknesses, and I will neither promise you nor warn you about anything. We have already said everything essential and we have also done everything essential for the preparation. Today's congress, and you will hear it in the speeches of my Vice-Presidents and Shadow Ministers, is a recapitulation of the preparatory work, a starting block for all of us. Today, the starting gun will sound. Today, as your President, and on behalf of all those who believe in us, I ask you: let's go and win the election! | 2 | 88 |
John Howard 4th Term Campaign Speech, delivered on November 12, 2007 in Brisbane Queensland
https://electionspeeches.moadoph.gov.au/speeches/2007-john-howard
Deputy Prime Minister, Treasurer, my Lord Mayor, my Ministerial and Parliamentary colleagues, my fellow Australians.
I want first of all to say how proud I am to be delivering this speech on behalf of a great and strong and enduring Coalition between the Liberal Party and the National Party. Our two great parties have shared 11 and a half years in office and we have fought for the best interests of the Australian people, wherever they might live, and the speeches you heard earlier from Peter Costello and from Mark Vaile represent the great talent and the great strength of the team that I lead. There are many things that distinguish the Coalition from the Labor Party, but none is more dramatic than the strength of the Coalition team. It’s a blend of the experience of myself and Peter and Alexander who’ve held our positions for 11 and a half years and the great contribution of three successive National Party leaders in Tim Fischer, John Anderson and Mark Vaile, and then in recent times the great contribution being made by new faces in important areas of responsibility and I can think of none better than that because I’m here in Queensland than the great contribution that Mal Brough has made as Minister for Indigenous Affairs.
I want to talk to you today, my fellow Australians, about the years ahead of us. This election is about the future of our great nation, not the past, great though that past is, important and treasured it is as it is to all of us, but this is really about the future of our nation and I want to tell you why I believe the Coalition should be returned. I want to tell you why I want to be Prime Minister of this country again. I want to share with you my hopes and my dreams for a better future and in the process I hope crystallise very clearly the important choice that must be made on the 24th of November, a choice given new and greater urgency and intensity because of some of the rising challenges on the economic front, both domestically and from abroad. I want to be Prime Minister again so that we can build an even stronger and greater Australia. We in the Coalition believe that the best years of this nation lie ahead. I want to complete the transition of this nation from a welfare state to an opportunity society. I want to pursue with relentless vigour the goal of full employment. Only the Liberal and National Parties talk about jobs for Australians anymore. Our opponents have given up talking about jobs, except the jobs of the union bosses in a future Labor government. I want to keep inflation low, I know that Australian families want to do more than just get by on their pay packets, they want to get ahead.
The Coalition wants to keep taxes as low as possible. Peter Costello and I unveiled a bold plan - five days later, 91.5 per cent of course was adopted by the Australian Labor Party - a bold plan to cut taxes and to encourage Australians to work harder and to re-enter the workforce. I want to be Prime Minister again to carry forward my principles and those of the Coalition on education. Australia does not need an education revolution, whatever on earth that might mean; Australia needs an education system that teaches its children to read, to write, to spell and to add up as well as sharing all the technological enhancements that are part of the great learning experience.
I want to be Prime Minister again to continue my unconditional, my uncompromising and my unrelenting opposition to the scourge of illicit drug-taking in our nation. Under the Coalition, we will always have a zero tolerance attitude towards drug-taking. We seek your mandate to maintain the strength of Australia, to maintain the strength of our alliances, to continue the protection of our borders, to continue to decide who comes to this nation, to continue the great duality of Australian foreign policy over the last 11 and a half years where we have built ever closer relations with our Asian neighbours, yet still remain the great friends and allies of the United States and our other traditional friends.
We want your support and your votes and your mandate to get the balance right on climate change. We need to have a lower carbon future, but we need to do it in a way that does not destroy jobs, does not weaken the great coal industry which is so important to the state of Queensland and ensures importantly that all nations of the world pull their weight and play their part in contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. I want to make sure in the future that this is a compassionate nation as well as a prosperous nation. I want us to share the benefits of our prosperity to all of those who might otherwise feel excluded. I want rural Australia, our beloved bush, to be an enduring part of the fabric of this nation not only economically but socially. I’ve said before and I’m proud to say it again, I can’t imagine an Australian nation without the bush being an integral part of what it means to be an Australian.
We in the Coalition want a health system that is more responsive to the needs of families and to local communities and finally, I want to be Prime Minister again so that we can achieve a lasting recognition in our constitution of the first Australians, the indigenous people of this country. The Northern Territory intervention has been a veritable watershed in the history of this country. It has brought an end to 20 to 30 years of failure in the area of indigenous policy, and it offers us the great thing that indigenous people need and that is the opportunity, whilst preserving their special place in the affections and the history of our nation, the opportunity to share its bounty by becoming part of the mainstream of the Australian community.
Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve tried in my own words to express to my fellow Australians why it is I’d like you to support the Coalition and why it is I’d like to be Prime Minister of this great country again. We do have a bright future, but that’s not something that can be taken for granted. There are stormclouds gathering on the horizon when it comes to economic management, and if we get it wrong, the prosperity we’ve enjoyed over the last 11 and a half years can be severely compromised. If we elect the wrong people, if we put the Government of this country in the hands of a Ministry 70 per cent of whose members will be former trade union officials, if we choose a Party, the Australian Labor Party that has spent the last ten months smothering all the beliefs and ideals and values it once argued, and turn our backs on the tried and true policies of experience and strength that have brought us the prosperity we now enjoy, our future could be very seriously compromised indeed. We need to continue the leadership that has delivered more than two million new jobs, that has proudly brought Australia’s unemployment rate to a 33-year low, that has seen wages grow by 21 per cent over and above inflation, that has seen the level of industrial disputes fall to the lowest they’ve been since 1913. And I have no hesitation in saying to all of you that I believe our industrial relations reforms have made a mighty contribution to the low unemployment, the low level of strikes and the high real wages that Australians now enjoy.
I will, whenever I’m Prime Minister, I will not inflict upon the small businesses of Australia the unfair dismissal laws that will come back if Mr Rudd is elected Prime Minister.
And my friends, it isn’t by accident that housing interest rates in Australia today are still only half the notorious peak of 17 per cent that they reached under the former Labor Government. These achievements have been no fluke. They’ve been the result of hard work, a consistent policy commitment and a hard-working talented team. And I want to pay particular tribute to the magnificent job that Peter Costello has done over the last 11 and a half years, because he’s been the principal architect of that economic achievement.
We have a plan to continue prosperity, we have a plan to drive unemployment even lower. The other side of politics, the Labor Party, has nothing more than a PR script, a script where the people who once opposed tax cuts now support them, the people who once opposed and it was the first thing Mr Rudd voted against when he entered Parliament, a tax break for private health insurance, now supports it, they once opposed the Medicare safety net but now they support it, they once opposed parental choice in education, they now support it, they once opposed Budget surpluses, they now support them. I think you all get the idea, although Peter Garrett didn’t seem to on one occasion. It’s a script for a fairly hollow Labor Party led by a man whose core beliefs are obscure and unknown to the Australian public and perhaps to he himself.
I said at the start of this election campaign and I say it again here in Brisbane, love me or loathe me, the Australian people know where I stand and what I believe in. I believe in the individual, I believe in the family as the cornerstone of our happiness and of our nation, I believe in free enterprise and reward for hard work, I believe in the values of the old Australia as well as sharing the excitement and the adventure of the new Australia, I believe very much in the vital role that small business plays in our economy, the two million small businesses that employ some 3.7 million Australians and that the Labor Party wants to return to the clutches of union power. Queensland is the quintessential small business state of Australia. Small business makes up 98 per cent of all businesses in Queensland, a Rudd Labor Government on top of a Bligh Labor Government would be lethal for small business here in Queensland. I believe in an outward-looking ambitious self-confident Australia in the world, I believe in the achievements of the last 11 and a half years, and I want to pay special tribute to the skill and diplomacy and guidance and hard work of Alexander Downer our longest-serving Foreign Minister.
Families are the building blocks of a good society and the policies that we’ve developed over the last 11 and a half years, the family tax benefits, the baby bonus and many others, have supported families at every stage of life expanding the horizons of their choices. My opponent talks a great deal about working families, he utters the phrase just about every time he does an interview, but he never seems to talk about what is the source of economic security for working families and that’s work. For dad or mum or both in whatever combinations they choose nothing can replace a steady job with rising wages as the basis of family security. Today is a very different Australia than the one we inherited when we came to Government 11 and a half years ago. We’re not only talking about the employment opportunities for middle aged and older Australians, for mum and dad. One of the great experiences I’ve personally had in this campaign, and I had it again last Friday in Penrith in Western Sydney, was to talk to scores of young people who’ve just finished school and are literally bubbling over enthusiasm about getting into the labour market knowing that they can confidently not only get a job but also get the job they want.
What has struck me is this great sense of optimism, this 33-year low in unemployment. I just feel so tremendously proud that I’m privileged to be the Prime Minister of a country that has given them that opportunity. I think of how people 15 and 20 years ago in that same age cohort left school with hesitancy and pessimism and with little hope about getting a job, let alone the job that they wanted. And I don’t think there is anything more important for all of us than to preserve that sense of hope and enthusiasm and optimism amongst our young for years into the future. Today I want to talk about a number of initiatives that are part of the next chapter of our plans to put more power into the hands of individuals and families rather than governments and bureaucracies. It’s a plan that speaks to Australians of all ages, while recognising that each generation faces unique challenges in their own time. It evokes the timeless hopes and dreams that transcend generations of Australians. They include the desire for a good job, the impulse to raise a family and to give one’s children the best possible start in life, the urge to self-improvement, to education and the desire ultimately for a place called home. The home being an almost sacred part of the Australian Liberal creed stretching back to Menzies’ memorable evocation of homes material, homes human and homes spiritual in the forgotten peoples speech of 1942. And what unites our creed of optimism is the belief that the Australian people do not need governments instructing them about virtue. They are more than capable of charting their own course towards a good life for themselves and for their families.
And today I want to announce three new measures that go to the decisions that matter most to families: the care of children in early years, parents’ investment in their children’s education and the dream of home ownership. In 2004, we introduced the childcare tax rebate to provide extra financial help for families covering 30 per cent of out of pocket expenses. Today, families can claim up to $4,354 per child a year for out of pocket expenses. We have continued to look at how we can ensure the amount of money parents have to pay upfront is reduced and so, a re-elected Coalition Government will pay families childcare tax rebate in advance to the childcare provider ensuring fees are reduced before parents pay. This should cut the upfront cost for families by 30 per cent. As a result, more than 500,000 families will have their current childcare costs dramatically reduced, and families will see the benefit of reduced fees from the first of April 2008. We will also increase the number of childcare places in areas of greatest need. We will provide capital funding to local governments of up to $1 million to build or extend childcare centres in the areas where there are no vacancies.
Together with our goal of full employment, building a culture of savings and home ownership is a big part of Australia making the transition from a welfare state to an opportunity society. The Coalition is committed to Australia remaining a great home- owning society, indeed one of the greatest in the world, where the dream of home ownership remains at the heart of the Australian experience and within reach of each successive generation. Today I announce new measures to assist Australians looking to get a foot in the door of their first home. This is a comprehensive plan to make home ownership more affordable for young Australians by boosting their capacity to save for a home. From 2008-09, a re-elected Coalition government will introduce tax-free home savings accounts for all Australians who have yet to own their first home. Contributions of up to $1,000 a year will be tax deductible, all interest and earnings from the accounts will completely free of tax. Under our plan, as it applies to Australians under 18 years of age, parents, grandparents and others will be able to contribute up to $1,000 between them each year to a tax-free home savings account for children. Savings will be accessible to purchase a first home once the account holder turns the age of 18. For Australians aged 18 and over, a maximum of $10,000 a year can be contributed to a tax- free savings account for adults with only the account- holder eligible to claim a tax deduction of up to $1,000 for their contribution. Child accounts will become adult accounts when the account holder turns 18. In the case of adult accounts, the account holder will be able to withdraw their account balance to buy their first home at any time after the age of 18.
I can also announce today that a re-elected Coalition Government will, subject to economic conditions and the state of the Budget, look to make contributions from future Budget surpluses to these tax-free home savings accounts. These accounts will help young Australians to develop the habits of saving and managing money and today we are also releasing a policy to build on the fine work of the Financial Literary Foundation chaired by Paul Clitheroe to give all Australians access to accurate independent information on money matters.
Evidence from around the world shows that a culture of saving and home ownership, even among families on modest incomes, is associated with an orientation towards the future: household stability, stable marriages, steady employment, educational attainment, healthy lifestyles and local civic involvement. This is the essence of the opportunity society I want Australia to become, where people are encouraged to work hard, save and look after their families and contribute to their communities. In addition, capital gains tax will be removed for Australians who share equity in a family member’s first home. This will facilitate the desire of a lot of parents to assist their children in buying their first home through a shared equity arrangement.
To further assist with housing affordability in the near term, I am today announcing a series of new measures that tackle the supply problems of housing affordability. A re-elected Coalition Government will expedite the disposal of Commonwealth land, totalling 961 hectares in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, following the recent Commonwealth audit of land holdings. A further impediment to more Australians owning their own home is State and local government infrastructure charges that inflate the price of house and land packages. As a result, home buyers are often paying for infrastructure that benefits the wider community and should therefore be paid for by the wider community. To tackle this problem, a re-elected Coalition government will commit $500 million over three years to fund on a 50/50 cost share basis with State and local governments common- use community infrastructure associated with new developments and urban consolidation. This could include community halls, libraries and sporting grounds. Funding will be on a competitive basis and subject to criteria, such as demonstrated improvements in approval processes.
Let me now turn to the crucial area of education. The Coalition has a distinctive approach to education policy, with a clear focus on choice, high standards and greater national consistency. Unlike our opponents, we have never had hit-lists of independent schools. Unlike our opponents, we have always believed in the unconditional right of Australian parents to choose the nature and the quality of the education they want for their children. We are unashamedly the parties of parental school choice. The blossoming of low-fee independent schools in the last decade, which we have supported, has given many families for the first time real choice over the school to which they send their child. Choice is a vehicle for driving better school performance across the board because it empowers the consumers of education services and that’s the students and the parents. Today I announce a policy that will further increase choice and improve education opportunities by helping parents make the investments in their children’s future that matter so much. I know that for many parents this is the most important investment of all but, of course, they face many competing pressures on the family budget and so a re-elected Coalition Government will introduce a new tax rebate for education expenses including, crucially, school fees. This will apply for every student, beginning with preschool –- that’s kindergarten in some States -– until the end of secondary school. Parents will be refunded up to $400 annually for each child at primary or preschool and they will be refunded up to $800 annually for each secondary school student.
This initiative has four key features. First, it is broad. It will apply to a wide range of education expenses including all school fees and the so-called voluntary contributions and levies that have increasingly crept into government education systems. It will also cover school text books, uniforms, camps and excursions, as well as extra costs of elective subjects like music and drama. And, of course, it will cover tools to help our children learn, like laptops and broadband connections. Unlike Mr Rudd, I do recognise that the costs of education extend well beyond laptops and broadband connections. Second, this rebate recognises that our children’s education begins before school. The importance of early childhood learning to later life outcomes is well known, which is why we have deliberately structured this initiative to include the costs of children attending government, community and private preschools, or kindergartens in some States, in the year before they commence formal schooling. Thirdly, this measure recognises the higher costs of educating older students. This will be a refundable tax rebate of 40% for expenses up to a maximum of $2000 per secondary school student and up to a maximum of $1000 per student at primary or preschool. And finally, let me emphasise that all Australian families will benefit from the full value of this rebate irrespective of their income. This rebate is very much about practical assistance to help parents make the best possible choices for their children’s future, so that Australia’s children can have the best possible start in life.
My friends, I commenced my remarks in speaking of how the choice on the 24th of November had very much crystallised around the issue of economic management. The economy isn’t everything in life, we all know that, but a strong economy is central to the capacity of this nation to deliver the things that we all want. I think back over the last 11 and a half years and I recall how we’ve been able to rebuild the defence forces of this country and how very proud I felt a few weeks ago to go to Enoggera, not far from here, and announce that the trigger point for the establishment of the second of the new battalions that we’re able to raise had been reached. And how recruitment levels into the armed forces had grown despite the fact that we have a near full-employment economy. And I’m very proud to say that one of the greatest achievements of this Government has been to increase by no less than 47% in real terms the amount of money that we spend on defence. And we all know what a wonderful job the men and women of the Australian Defence Force have done for us over the past years and what tremendous service they render in our name and in the name of our nation in many trouble spots around the world.
But whether it’s defence, whether it’s roads, whether it’s education or whether it’s health, it’s all being made possible because we have built a strong economy. Never forget what we inherited. Never forget the $96 billion of debt. Never forget the 8.2% of unemployment. Never forget that interest rates reached 17% under the former Government. Never forget that we were told by our opponents that the leaders of Asia would not deal with this country, and yet eleven-and-a-half years later we have achieved what I call this remarkable duality in foreign policy - a close, enduring relationship with our great ally, the United States, but side by side with that we have built a constructive and enduring relationship with the fastest growing nation in the world, China.
The Australian Labor Party wants the Australian people to believe that the Australian economy is on autopilot, that it just happens automatically, it’s all due to the resources boom, it’s got nothing to do with the quality of the people in charge. They want to sort of slip by unnoticed. They want their past record to be consigned to oblivion. They don’t want to be reminded that they opposed all of the reforms that have built the prosperity that we now have. We have an obligation, we in the Coalition, not to let the Labor Party get away with that deceit.
And I want to say to all of my fellow Australians that the choice you face on the 24th of November has become more intense and more urgent because of some of the storm clouds that are gathering on our economy both domestically and internationally. With the right leadership, the skill that people like Peter Costello have displayed over the last eleven-and-a-half years, we can continue to see it grow. We can reach that great goal of full employment. We can once again walk the shopping malls and the streets of this nation and meet enthusiastic young people bubbling with hope and pride and confidence about their future job prospects. But if we get it wrong, if we hand it over to inexperienced people, a government dominated by 70% of former trade union officials, if we have a nation for the first time in its history with a Labor Government at every level, coast to coast, wall to wall without lead or hindrance, isn’t that a huge risk –- isn’t that taking too big a risk with the prosperity that we have worked so hard to build?
My fellow Australians, it has been an incredible privilege to be the Prime Minister of the greatest country in the world, but there is much to do in the future. There is much work ahead of us. There are great responsibilities to be discharged. I ask for your support and your votes to continue the great work of the last eleven-and-a-half years on the 24th of November.
Thank you. | 0 | 34 |
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